Drug Topics - November 5, 2007 - (Page 23)

www.drugtopics.com NOVEMBER 5, 2007 DRUG TOPICS 23 Cover Story before a robbery,” he said. “They’d look for weak links, such as stores without closed-circuit TV.” Even when robbers disguise themselves, video images can be a help to law enforcement, he added. “We were able to identify one here in Stamford when the camera showed where he had touched a door and we were able to get his fingerprints.” Older videotape systems can be quite adequate, according to Conklin, but with two caveats: Make sure there’s a tape in the machine and change the tape occasionally. “People will reuse the same VHS tape 300 or 400 times because they haven’t had a robbery,” he said. “But the product you get when you are finally robbed is a grainy mess”— and may not be of use to law enforcement. In addition to cameras focused on the pharmacy and cash register areas, Conklin recommends putting them outside, too. Many times they will record the robbers getting into or exiting their vehicles, often without their masks, which they are most likely to put on just as they enter the pharmacy. Current technology goes beyond simple recording of visual images. For example, Fort Worth’s Healthcare Computer Corp. (HCC) recently introduced EZ-Vue DVR technology, which provides both real-time and archived video of a pharmacy’s daily events. Included is the ability to time-code pharmacy events into the software, eliminating the need to view a day’s or even an hour’s worth of video to find one event. they get an alarm call, actually drive DT CAPSULE to the pharmacy to see what’s going on before alerting law enforceNot all robbery safement.” The ability to remotely check out the situation before deguards cost money ciding what action to take could keep pharmacy personnel out of to implement. harm’s way, he believes. Cost is always a factor in choosing security options, especially for independents. A system such as EZ-Vue would cost the typical pharmacy a one-time fee of $8,000 to $10,000, plus a monthly customer service charge of about $25, according to Lea. “The cost factor is greatly influenced by the customer’s configuration—number of cameras and amount of video or audio storage.” Whether using VHS or DVR, Stephenson cautioned that camera selection is key. “Choose a camera that’s going to perform in the light conditions of the pharmacy,” he said. “Fluorescent lighting does affect certain cameras. It also needs to be a color camera. And if it’s going to be an area where there is movement, it needs to be able to autofocus so you’re not just getting a flat image, but an image with enough detail that it’s useful to law enforcement.” Another tool that may provide some peace of mind to pharmacy staff, especially when working alone, is a wireless panic alert button that can be worn around the neck, carried inside a pocket, or even placed under a counter or among the drugs most likely to be sought by robbers. The Drive-through dangers A weak security point in many pharmacies is the drive-through window, observed Larry Stephenson, VP of HCC pharmacy system sales. “So we’re using a camera that’s capturing people in the car as they drive through.” He said that robbers will use the drive-through to avoid entering the premises where they will run into employees and customers, plus they’re already in the car for their getaway. The vulnerability with typical independents, he explained, is that they use a simple slide-open window instead of the drop-down drawers that banks and gas stations use. “You’ve got direct access to those employees, and it’s a dangerous situation.” More sophisticated systems such as HCC’s allow for mixing and matching different styles of cameras, such as fixed or motion-activated at various sites within a location and wide-angle for parking lots, even audio recording if desired. Clarence Lea, R.Ph., VP of marketing at HCC, noted that EZ-Vue is Web-enabled, allowing the owner or manager to monitor the store from off-site. “A lot of independents, when Signs that may predict violent behavior Has a history of violence (strongest indicator) Talks and complains loudly; uses profanity, or makes sexual comments Continually uses excuses and/or blames others; holds grudges Demands unnecessary services; threatens others or vows to get even Accuses staff members of being against him or out to get him States that he or she is going to lose control Throws or punches inanimate objects Paces rapidly, excessive sweating or flushed face, twitching face, shallow breathing, keeping head down, furrowed brows Challenges authority, tries repeatedly to intimidate others Shows intense interest in discussing or owning weapons Appears tense and angry Appears intoxicated or under the influence of drugs Shows a romantic or other obsession with someone Has had multiple life stressors, such as divorce, death in the family, or financial problems Source: Quality America, Asheville, N.C.; www.quality-america.com http://www.drugtopics.com http://www.quality-america.com

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Drug Topics - November 5, 2007 Contents Latebreakers Latebreakers in Depth Letters Rx Care Community Practice 150 Years of American Pharmacy Hospital Practice Pharmacists at Risk Government and Law High-Density Lipoprotein New Products Advertisers Index Classified Viewpoint

Drug Topics - November 5, 2007

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