I know I'm late in getting in on this but....I work in an acute psych unit and we use the hospital security guards. Sometimes a show of force works. I know some of you handle this stuff on your own but sometimes it's nice to have backup when you've got a psychotic patient going after staff and/or other patients. Whether voluntary, 72 hour hold, 14 day hold, temp conservatorship, or perm conservatorship it doesn't matter; some just don't want to be here. I just don't like it when a patient looks right through you and while coming towards you.