IAHSS Releases New Guideline: 04.05 Weapons Detection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

IAHSS Releases New Guideline: 04.05 Weapons Detection

August 2025                                                                         Contact:

Name: Virginia Petrancosta  Phone: 630-529-3913 x101 
E-Mail: virginia@iahss.org 

Healthcare organizations are increasingly considering using weapon detection systems in their security programs as an added layer of protection.   

To support healthcare organizations when considering these systems, the IAHSS Council on Guidelines is proud to announce the release of Healthcare Security Industry Guideline 04.05: Weapons Detection. The new guideline is available here.

This guideline identifies the different types of weapons detection systems, placement considerations for these systems, staffing and deployment plans, as well as processes that should be considered for implementing a successful weapon detection program.    

Mike Lauer, Council on Guidelines Chair and Vice President Emergency Preparedness and Public Safety for BJC Health System, stated:  

“Weapon detection systems are becoming more prevalent in healthcare settings.  This guideline, along with recent additions about weapon detection system installations to the IAHSS Security Design Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities, 4^th Edition, is an important step forward as we equip security teams with the tools and program structure needed to add weapons detection to the healthcare environment.” 

The IAHSS Council on Guidelines is composed of volunteer members who are experienced healthcare security professionals and leaders. Each year, the Council develops new healthcare security industry guidelines and reviews existing ones on a three-year cycle to ensure relevance and effective. 

About IAHSS 

The International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) is the only organization exclusively focused to professionals who lead security and safety programs in healthcare facilities. With over 4,000 members worldwide, IAHSS brings together experts healthcare security, law enforcement, safety, and emergency management.

For more than fifty-six years, IAHSS has supported the field through industry guidelines, educational and networking opportunities, and its biannual Journal of Healthcare Protection Management.

IAHSS has certified tens of thousands of professionals through its Basic, Advanced, Supervisor, and Safety Certificate programs. It also offers the Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator designation, widely recognized as the gold standard for leadership in healthcare security.

Through its commitment to professional development and industry advancement, IAHSS continues to elevate the role of healthcare security professionals and promote safer environments for patients, staff, and visitors.