HERMISTON, Ore.-The Hermiston City Council approved an agreement between Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) and the Hermiston Police Department (HPD) at its regular meeting on March 24 to create a “Good Shepherd Patrol Beat” within the HPD, putting officers on duty at the hospital campus around the clock.
“Good Shepherd Health Care System is committed to delivering exceptional patient care while prioritizing the safety and well-being of our patients, staff, and visitors,” said Art Mathisen, GSHCS President and CEO. “Our staff provided valuable feedback in a 2024 annual employee survey conveying their overwhelming desire to work in the safest environment possible and we heard them loud and clear. As a result of their feedback, we took the necessary steps to partner with the Hermiston Police Department to ensure we have a police presence within our facilities 24/7.
“This is a proactive measure that not only fosters a safer environment but also provides peace of mind to everyone who enters our doors. By ensuring we are less of a soft target, we can focus on what matters most…providing top-quality health care, close to home,” stated Mathisen.
The working relationship between Hermiston PD and GSHCS has been years in the making.
Hermiston PD Chief Jason Edmiston first became interested in a partnership in 2012 after an organizational review of the similarly sized Sunnyside, Washington PD showed that department had five officers assigned to the hospital.
“I commend Good Shepherd Health Care System President and CEO Art Mathisen for seeing the positive nature of this relationship and taking action to ensure the hospital campus remains as safe as possible for anyone and everyone who visits it,” said Edmiston.
Under Resolution 2364, approved by the Hermiston City Council, the HPD would hire one additional officer for each shift, for a total of four additional officers, with one from each shift being assigned to the “Good Shepherd Beat.”
“Hospitals are soft targets and just like schools, we feel it is important to have a presence on the campus,” said Edmiston. “We anticipate enhanced relationships with hospital staff, opportunities to provide training and the ability to engage with hospital patients in a proactive and positive manner.”
The HPD officers stationed at GSHCS will remain employees of the City of Hermiston and will work alongside GSHCS security to ensure the safety of patients, staff and the hospital grounds.
According to Edmiston, HPD officers on the “Good Shepherd Beat” will investigate criminal matters inside the hospital and on hospital grounds, including incidents such as car prowls, trespass and thefts.
The four officers who will ultimately patrol the “Good Shepherd Beat” have already been hired by HPD, with one currently on patrol and the others progressing through the Police Academy.
Chief Edmiston views the increased HPD presence as a good thing for the safety and well-being of patients, staff and the community.
“People do not typically call us when something good has happened,” said Edmiston. “I believe this partnership will allow our officers to seek out positive things and have a positive impact.”
