Overview
- The 13-page internal assessment, released Wednesday, details how the health department lacked clear systems to flag and manage high-risk patients before the December 4 stabbing of social worker Alberto Rangel.
- Staff had warned security for weeks about the suspect’s escalating threats, yet the audit says no added safety steps were taken until the day of the attack.
- Investigators reported slow emergency actions, including at least eight minutes to call a Code Blue and at least 11 minutes for paramedics to reach the clinic after the stabbing.
- The department has begun fixes that include a $15 million yearly investment, four new security hires, weapons screening and restricted entry at Buildings 80/90, and a 24/7 threat management team.
- The report says a Ward 86 employee first stopped the attacker, contradicting sheriff union claims, as unions cite frequent staff assaults and call for more staffing and mental health support.