Tell Hackensack Meridian Health: We Demand a Neptune Police Officer Around the Clock at Jersey Shore University Medical Center

This past weekend, a patient entered our Emergency Department and moved through various parts of the hospital, interacting with staff, undergoing tests in radiology, and remaining in the pediatric ED.

After about 8 hours in the hospital, a loaded gun was discovered tucked into their waistband.

Security was alerted— but did not confiscate the weapon. Only when the Neptune Police Department arrived was the firearm safely secured.

This is not an isolated incident. It’s the second time in six weeks that a loaded weapon has entered our hospital — both times discovered by staff, not security.

This is unacceptable.

We were lucky this time, but luck is not a safety plan. That’s why we are demanding immediate action from Hackensack Meridian Health:

We are calling for a 24/7 on-site Neptune Police Officer in the Emergency Department at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

We’re not asking for luxury. We’re asking for protection — for our nurses, physicians, techs, registrars, patients, and visitors.

✍️ Sign the Petition Now

Let’s not wait for a tragedy. Let’s act now — to protect our colleagues, our patients, and ourselves.

In solidarity,

5058 Local Executive Board