A campus police officer at a North Carolina medical facility was killed during a struggle in the emergency department lobby. The incident highlights the hidden dangers faced by hospital law enforcement personnel.
Routine Duty Turns Deadly
On a quiet Saturday morning at the WakeMed Campus Police facility serving the Garner Healthplex, a routine shift quickly turned tragic. At approximately 9:00 a.m., officers responded to an incident in the emergency department lobby where a confrontation broke out. During the struggle, Officer Roger Smith, a sworn member of the hospital’s police division, was shot and later died of his wounds. AP News
The Incident and Response
Officials report that a “person of interest” was taken into custody in connection with the shooting. The emergency department lobby was immediately closed, and local and state investigators have joined the inquiry. AP News Governor Josh Stein publicly honored Officer Smith’s sacrifice, stating, “Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe, and we are forever grateful for Officer Smith’s sacrifice.” AP News
A Sobering Reminder for Hospital Policing
While hospitals are normally seen as places of care, this incident underscores a stark truth: even in civilian settings, law enforcement personnel confront serious risk. Campus officers may respond to emotionally charged, unpredictable situations — and must be prepared for sudden escalation.
The WakeMed police unit serves six facilities in the region and carries the full law-enforcement training expected under North Carolina state law. AP News
Looking Ahead
As the investigation proceeds, many departments will inevitably revisit their protocols for hospital campus patrols — from entry and lobby security to officer positioning and awareness training. For those in uniform, this is a reminder that no assignment is “routine.” Vigilance, preparedness, and cooperation across hospital and law enforcement teams remain essential.