Andre French, a lifelong Mifflin County resident and former chief of the Mifflin County Regional Police Department, has been named manager of the hospital’s police and security division. Shawn Weaver, the former Bellefonte Borough police chief and a Centre County resident, has been hired as supervisor.

Both men bring decades of police experience to their new posts. They were sworn in earlier this fall and completed classroom training, with weapons qualification expected to be finalized before they assume full uniformed duties.

“There’s a fantastic group of security officers here at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital,” French said in a statement. “They’re dedicated to the safety and security of this facility, its staff and its patients. I’m honored to be a part of that. Over the course of my career, I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by high-quality personnel — and it’s readily apparent that continues here. My goal is to continue this tradition of excellence in service to this community.”

Weaver echoed those remarks, noting his pride in joining a team that has invested in both personnel and technology to create what he called “a comprehensive safety program” for the hospital.

Their hiring comes as Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital expands its security program to include sworn private police officers. The move is part of a system-wide initiative launched earlier this year aimed at elevating safety standards across the health system.

Sean McGinley, associate vice president of Geisinger Police and Security Services, said the appointments will strengthen the hospital’s ties to the community while adding experience and leadership to its security team.

“Officers French and Weaver provide many community-centered benefits for our patients, visitors and employees,” McGinley said. “They reinforce service and protection for Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. Our new officers also provide enhanced safety and crisis response skills based on their experience, leading to safe outcomes. Officers French and Weaver are already engaging with patients, visitors and employees, listening to their concerns and building relationships as they build a presence in the hospital.”

Over the past five years, Geisinger has added several new measures intended to prevent incidents and provide faster responses. These include metal detection equipment at emergency department entrances, Strongline badge alert devices for staff, expanded security camera coverage — many with artificial intelligence to detect threats in real time — and specialized staff training. The system has also launched a K-9 program.

“Safety is a top priority at Geisinger,” McGinley said. “Providing metal detectors, Strongline badge alerts, and AI-assisted cameras allows for enhanced trust and visibility.”

The changes reflect broader trends across the healthcare industry, where hospitals have reported a rise in incidents of violence directed at staff and patients. McGinley said that while Geisinger has been no exception to those challenges, the hospital is taking steps to stay ahead of potential threats.

“Everyone deserves a safe and secure healing and working environment,” he said. “Trends across the healthcare industry show a rising incidence of violent events in healthcare settings and specifically toward healthcare workers over the past few years. Unfortunately, this is no different at Geisinger. Bringing private police officers to Geisinger is the next step in meeting the security needs of our organization.”

Hospital administrators said French and Weaver stood out as candidates because of their backgrounds in public service and strong ties to the region. Both men have led municipal police departments and bring with them experience in managing officers, handling crises, and working closely with the public.

“Officers French and Weaver are exceptional leaders within our communities,” McGinley said. “They stood out because of their vast experience in public service and their deep ties to the local communities, not only through their professional work but also through their personal and civic involvement.”

The move has also prompted questions from patients and families about what role a private police force will play in a hospital setting. McGinley said the addition should be seen as a reassurance.

“Geisinger’s private police force is a proactive measure to ensure a safer environment for patients, visitors and employees,” he said. “Our highly trained officers have undergone extensive training over many decades and bring collaborative partnerships as they work alongside our teams, law enforcement and other community organizations. Our officers’ community-centered leadership should only serve to enhance public trust.”

Geisinger officials said the ultimate goal is to provide a stronger sense of security for everyone in the hospital. Administrators emphasized that the expansion is about deterrence and building trust with patients, families and staff.