New chief takes over CRH police department

Columbus Regional Health has named a new chief of its police force.

According to he hospital, former North Vernon police chief James Webster will lead the hospital’s police force as chief of police and director of emergency management. Webster served as chief of the North Vernon department from 2006 to 2021 and has more than 33 years of experience in law enforcement. He joined CRH’s police force in 2021 as assistant chief.

Previous CRH Police Chief Tony Pope retired in February after 10 years with the organization. Pope was recently appointed president of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety and will continue to serve in that role.

The hospital formed its own police force in December of 2020.

Photo courtesy of Columbus Regional Health.