Statement on policing from University Hospitals

University Hospitals (UH) is committed to equitable treatment and safety for all patients, visitors
and caregivers in our facilities. We exist to serve this community, and as part of that
commitment, we work across our system to continuously enhance efforts to provide a safe and
welcoming environment for all.

Our police department is an integral part of our service and we take the conduct of our officers
very seriously. We have 43 members of our UH Cleveland Medical Center Police Department,
including 29 highly trained and sworn peace officers, who do incredible work – allowing
caregivers to focus on taking care of patient needs. Since the beginning of 2018, our medical
center has cared for more than a million patients and our police have issued citations to a total
of just 260 individuals during that time. Each officer – on average – has issued citations to
approximately three individuals during the course of a year. Our officers are trained to de-
escalate situations so that caregivers are able to do their jobs and that patients and visitors are
provided with a safe, welcoming environment.

We very carefully examine situations when citations are issued and take steps to fully address
any concerns we hear about police and safety. We also provide diversity training to our police.

To enhance oversight to the work of the UH Police Department, we have developed a civilian
review committee. This committee is designed to reflect our commitment to equitable treatment,
social justice and safety. Its members are independent of the UH Police Department. Committee
members are fully empowered and equipped to examine individual incidents and practices in
the department.

We believe UH has a responsibility to promote positive change in the community by serving as

a model environment for cultural diversity and inclusion. A newly formed UH Social Justice &
Equity Team is expanding our efforts to address the issue of racism and its effects on our
patients, caregivers and the community we serve.