Securing VA Medical Facilities

We reviewed security at VA medical facilities. Most of the 74,700 crimes committed at these facilities in FYs 2024 and 2025 were nonviolent. These crimes included disorderly conduct, theft, and drug offenses.
In covert tests, VA staff didn't detect a prohibited weapon that our investigators carried into 30 facilities—two of which had metal detectors. In 25 of 26 covert tests, VA staff didn't confront an investigator appearing to drink alcohol in plain view, which is generally prohibited at VA facilities.
We recommended ways for VA to address security at its medical facilities. This could help provide a safer environment for veterans and staff