West Cancer Center Reduces Parking Lot Crime by 100% With a Perimeter Security Strategy Using LPR Cameras

The Challenge

Leading cancer center sees spike in crime, prompting action for patient and staff safety

Located in Memphis, Tennessee, West Cancer Center is a prominent leader in adult cancer care and research, with a legacy spanning four decades in oncology. The center was facing a growing challenge of increased criminal activity on its premises, primarily in its parking lots.

These issues included:

• raised additional concerns about car thefts
• Break-ins
• Acts of vandalism
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This raised concerns among administrators about the safety of staff and patients.

The uptick in crime raised additional concerns about workplace safety, especially for clinical staff and visitors. Although the center already had an unarmed guard and surveillance cameras, the need to enhance security became evident.

The Solution

Implementing a virtual security perimeter

Following conversations with local law enforcement and the mayor's recommendations, West Cancer Center identified LPR cameras as a clear solution to its security concerns.

By deploying LPR cameras around the perimeter of the campus, the center was able to:

• Monitor all incoming and outgoing vehicles
• Deter criminal activity
• Capture critical evidence when incidents occur

Increasing Staff Safety

Using vehicle alerts to respond to threats

The introduction of LPR cameras had an additional positive impact on staff safety.

When an employee shared concerns about a domestic violence situation, the administration provided the option to place the vehicle on a custom watch list. This allowed security to receive alerts if the vehicle entered the property and take appropriate action.

Addressing Privacy Concerns

While the benefits of LPR cameras were clear, the executive team initially expressed concern about increased law enforcement presence causing distress among patients and families.

To address this, the center worked with law enforcement to develop a response plan that would not disrupt patients while still ensuring safety.

This approach created a balance between:

• Security
• Patient experience
• Privacy

The Results

Parking lot crime reduced by 100%

Prior to installation, the center experienced attempted crimes almost every other week.

Since deploying the perimeter security system:

• Property crime dropped to zero
• No attempted car thefts or break-ins were reported
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This represents a 100% reduction in parking lot crime.

Faster investigations with better evidence

Because most patients and visitors arrive by vehicle, LPR cameras made vehicle data easily accessible and searchable.

In one case:

• A patient’s car was hit in the parking lot
• The driver fled the scene
• Security used vehicle data to identify the offender
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The patient was then able to file a police report with accurate information.

Improved employee confidence

Employees reported feeling safer knowing that proactive measures were in place to monitor threats and respond quickly.

One employee noted appreciation for the additional protection provided in potentially dangerous situations.

A Hands-Off Security Approach

The system does not require constant monitoring to be effective.

By sharing data with law enforcement:

• Security teams enable proactive response
• Known offenders can be identified quickly
• Staff can focus on daily operations
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Overall Impact

The implementation of LPR cameras has:

• Reduced crime across the property
• Improved safety for patients, staff, and visitors
• Strengthened collaboration with law enforcement
• Created a more secure and controlled environment
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As one leader noted:

“Since we implemented Flock, we have had not one single attempt at a car theft or break-in. Before that, it was every other week.”

Looking Ahead

With crime reduced and safety improved, West Cancer Center continues to use LPR technology as a core part of its security strategy.

The system supports both proactive prevention and faster response, allowing the organization to focus on its mission while maintaining a safe environment for everyone on campus.