Armed security guards will become a new presence at New Hampshire Hospital, the state’s psychiatric facility in Concord following a fatal shooting in November 2023, when a security guard stationed in the hospital lobby was killed by a former patient at the hospital.

On Wednesday the Executive Council approved a $3 million contract to provide the additional security measures without any discussion.

The one-year contract, awarded to Vets Securing America, a Texas-based company allows armed guards to carry firearms in the hospital’s main lobby while screening patients, staff and visitors at the entrance. They will also be armed while patrolling the hospital grounds, unless an emergency calls for them to respond elsewhere inside the facility. They will not carry firearms inside patient units except when requested by clinicians. Instead, they will carry TASERS inside patient units.

The security guards will be required to have specific training, including de-escalation techniques, defensive tactics and proper use of pepper spray and tasers, according to the New Hampshire Department of Safety.

Following the shooting of former Franklin Police chief Bradley Haas who was working at the hospital, former Gov. Chris Sununu ordered a full review of security protocols and systems across all state facilities.

The new veteran-led security team won’t replace the State Office Complex Police Force or New Hampshire State Police Troopers at the 185-bed facility. 

Instead, they’ll be working alongside them. 

The State Police and the State Office Complex Police Force will continue to handle emergency calls at the facility.

As part of the $3 million contract, armed and unarmed security guards will be stationed around the hospital during all three shifts, with each guard earning about $47.14 per hour.

Mental health advocates, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness New Hampshire, recognize the effort that was put into creating a new safety model for the facility. However, they remain cautious about the presence of firearms on the premises.

“As an organization, NAMI NH has clearly stated its position that at no time should firearms be allowed on patient units,” said Susan Stearns. “We are grateful to NHH leadership for their willingness to include the voice of people with mental illness and their families in the development of new procedures.”

 

Sruthi Gopalakrishnan can be reached at sgopalakrishnan@cmonitor.com