Paterson cops return to ER security shifts at St. Joseph’s Medical Center

PATERSON – Off-duty city police officers on Monday resumed providing emergency room security at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, officials said.

That practice – which had been in place for well over a decade – came to a halt in early February amid a dispute over delinquent payments from the hospital and a disagreement over how much St. Joseph’s should be paying for the police presence.

The hospital has agreed to increase its payments for the police officer assignments from the previous rate of $36 per hour to $50 per hour, said Paterson Policemen’s Benevolent Association President Angel Jimenez. As part of the agreement, the hospital will not resume having cops at the ER around-theclock. Officials said there will now be two consecutive eight-hour shifts every day, one from noon to 8 p.m. and the second going until 4 a.m.

Over the years, the hospital has needed police presence at the ER to handle volatile situations involving assaults, shootings and gang rivalries. In some instances, gang members have shown up at the ER looking for victims they were targeting, law enforcement sources said.

“I am happy we hashed things out,” Jimenez said. “It’s good for the community and it’s good for the nurses and doctors that we will have officers there to protect them.”

Hospital officials confirmed the resumption of the off-duty assignments.

“We are pleased to continue a long and successful history of working together to provide a safe environment for our patients, staff and visitors,” said St. Joseph’s spokesperson Pamela Garretson.

Hospital officials have not revealed how they will provide ER security between 4 a.m. and noon.

Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press. Email: editor@patersonpress.com