Southcoast Health strengthens safety with appointment of first police chief.

Southcoast Health has taken a major step to enhance safety by naming its first police chief, Marc Duphily, to lead the new Division of Police and Public Safety, aiming to protect staff and patients amid rising workplace violence in healthcare facilities.

Southcoast Health has implemented a new safety leadership structure to address growing concerns about workplace violence in healthcare settings. The organization has appointed Marc Duphily as its inaugural police chief to lead the newly established Division of Police and Public Safety. This initiative is designed to strengthen protective measures for both employees and patients across all Southcoast Health facilities.

Increasing Workplace Violence in Healthcare

Healthcare personnel are facing rising risks during their daily duties. Data from the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association indicate that incidents involving physical assaults, verbal abuse, or threats occur roughly every 38 minutes in Massachusetts healthcare facilities. Southcoast Health has noted that both the frequency and severity of such incidents are escalating, highlighting the necessity for a structured and professional public safety approach within its network of hospitals.

Appointment of the First Police Chief

Marc Duphily has been hired as the first police chief of Southcoast Health’s Division of Police and Public Safety. This role is intended to oversee and guide safety strategies across multiple hospitals, including:

• Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River
• St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford
• Tobey Hospital in Wareham

Background and Experience of Marc Duphily

Marc Duphily, originally from Dartmouth, holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in criminal justice. He has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, beginning with the New Bedford Police Department in 1995. There, he served five years as a patrol officer and three years as a detective. In 2002, Duphily joined the Carver Police Department, ultimately becoming chief of police. He also held the position of SWAT control chief for the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC). He retired from these positions in March of this year.

Duphily has emphasized his focus on maintaining public safety and intends to apply this expertise to enhance Southcoast Health’s safety operations and support its existing public safety personnel.

Structure and Role of the New Police Division

The Division of Police and Public Safety was established to meet the evolving safety needs within healthcare environments. Previously, the public safety workforce consisted of non-sworn personnel responding to emergencies. Introducing sworn officers under formal police leadership aims to improve prevention, de-escalation, and overall response capabilities. Leadership highlighted that the initiative is meant to complement, not replace, existing safety programs, with the primary goal of safeguarding all campuses while enhancing operational capacity and community engagement.

Training, Prevention, and Operational Priorities

The division includes twelve training officers responsible for certifications, competency maintenance, and state compliance. With more than 8,000 employees across the health system, continuous training is crucial for preparedness. Key priorities include:

• Enhancing de-escalation techniques to prevent escalation of incidents
• Providing updated training programs for staff and safety personnel
• Improving safety equipment and operational readiness
• Ensuring continuous compliance with state safety standards
• Increasing visible security presence throughout healthcare campuses

The approach emphasizes proactive intervention to reduce risks before situations escalate, with ongoing adaptation of training as new safety practices emerge.

Impact on Patients and Staff

According to Chief Duphily, the increased presence of trained officers is intended to enhance the sense of security for both patients and staff. Southcoast Health aims to create a safe environment for individuals to work and receive medical care. The appointment of a dedicated police chief is part of a comprehensive strategy to address ongoing safety challenges within healthcare settings.

Conclusion

The establishment of a formal police division and the appointment of its first chief reflect Southcoast Health’s structured response to rising workplace violence. Through enhanced training, expanded operational capabilities, and professional law enforcement leadership, the organization seeks to strengthen protective measures across its hospital network while prioritizing prevention and de-escalation of potential incidents.

Sources:

• Southcoast Health strengthens safety with appointment of first police chief
• Southcoast Health Appoints Marc Duphily as Police Chief to Enhance Safety
• Southcoast Health Tackles Rising Workplace Violence with New Police Division
• Southcoast Health boosts safety by hiring its first police chief