MikeNice
Member
Many hospitals have a psychiatric treatment ward. Many more cater to people that have brain injuries or diseases that can cause them to lash out unexpectedly. It isn't about trying to disarm honest people. It really is about trying to prevent harm to patients and caregivers.It is standard policy at most hospitals.
Can you imagine the out cry if a 6'5" former defensive lineman with a brain injury got his hands on a gun? I have seen something very similar happen during a psych patient transport. Luckily the cop had unloaded the gun and stored his mag before hand. The patient had a 2 pound hammer. It wasn't very effective against a tazer.
The chance of a mentally disturbed or diseased patient getting a weapon in a hospital is higher than most people understand. That is why they take those precautions. They allready have to worry about IV needles, scissors, and numerous other small easily concealed things. Eliminating unnecessary threats is pragmatic.