SALEM (WSLS 10) - During our continuing investigation into the Salem VA Medical Center, WSLS 10's Jenna Zibton found more than $1.3 million of taxpayer money earmarked for security upgrades. Upgrades planned for implementation last year, but some still were not functioning, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to fix.
One project at the VA would allow more than 80 buildings on the campus to be locked or opened with the push of a button. Previously, this was done by hand, which could take more than 30 minutes and a lot of man power.
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But now, 10 months later, our investigation found there were problems with security systems.
"If I spent $1 million on something, then I would make sure that it worked correctly," said Dale Hendley, Salem VAMC's Chief of Police. "Me too. Yes ma'am. I would want it to work correctly."
But we've learned Chief Hendley requested thousands of dollars for fixes.
During our investigation, WSLS 10 obtained audio of a staff meeting in April regarding security issues. Comments made in the meeting were ones the public wasn't supposed to hear.
Yeah. Right now, all of the exterior access control still not working because it's not tied up to the fire alarm system. I put in for funding, around $200,000, don't share that amount with anybody." ~Dale Hendley, Salem VAMC's Chief of Police
With doors not connected to the fire alarm system, if there was an emergency lock down and a fire started, people couldn't get out. Because of that shortcoming, the chief said system cannot be turned on and are not being used.
A $200,000 oversight.
Our investigation also found the motion intrusion system was down. So what's being done about all this?
Much more on our continuing investigation into the Salem VA on WSLS 10 at 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 29.