SEATTLE – Hospital security officers say a vicious attack outside Harborview Medical Center highlights a violent and difficult problem that puts patients and staff at risk and they say they’ve had enough.

Now, for the first time, one officer is breaking his silence to talk about the dangerous problems they're facing.

Harborview is known for pioneering procedures, medical training programs, and its level one trauma center – the only one in four states.

But some employees say this renowned institution isn't doing enough to protect patients and staff.

Security cameras captured an assault right outside the hospital's doors.

Too often, violence like this happens inside in what should be a sanctuary, according to some hospital employees.

“A lot of people are afraid when they’re at Harborview working,” said Tyler Miller, Harborview security officer.

Miller says many times it’s the staff that is on the receiving end of the violence.

“I have had to check into the ER in my three years I would say almost six times,” he said.

The state union that represents Harborview's 35 security officers has started circulating a flyer that claims that hundreds of Harborview staff and patients have been assaulted in a three-year period, and it shows the injuries of one uniformed officer.

Many other officers tell their stories in this month’s union newsletter.

Haborview is the region's level one trauma center, and as the county's hospital, it accepts all patients – the poor, the homeless and county jail inmates.

Miller says officers are poorly trained and they're not armed.

“You have your handcuffs, baton, flashlight, keys and a radio. That's about it,” he said.

A hospital spokesperson says Harborview has responded to safety concerns.

An off-duty state trooper is now posted at the hospital, which the spokesperson calls a "safe environment for patients, staff and the general public."

Administrators say regular security reviews have found the hospital safe, as did a Labor and Industries audit. And security camera and lighting have been added to the hospital grounds.

But Miller says it's not enough.

“I can't tell you how many calls I've taken where patients have been victimized by crime,” he said.

Miller, who is the security officer union's shop steward, told KING 5 that he's been placed on paid administrative leave by the hospital. He says he's been accused of violating patient privacy by reporting an incident to Seattle Police. He believes it's actually retaliation for his outspokenness on this issue.