There’s Now Armed Security at University Medical Center

Lubbock's University Medical Center now has armed security guards.

KAMC News reports that the hospital has various level-four armed security guards patrolling different areas.

In 2018, UMC spokesman Eric Finley told KAMC News that armed security was one of the most requested improvements made by UMC employees.

The change means that UMC will be phasing out the hiring of off-duty Lubbock police officers since they are no longer needed. But the hospital isn’t stopping there. Plans are already in the works to establish their own police department.

Texas Senator Charles Perry has already introduced a bill in the Texas legislature that gives all hospitals in Lubbock County the ability to employ and commission their own peace officers.