When you think of pharmaceutical companies, research facilities and various state laws, you don’t immediately make the connection of how an inappropriate interaction between the three could be so disruptive to the drug discovery and development process. But that is precisely why it is so important to have a thorough understanding of the laws in your area and how to comply with them. One such example may be considered trespassing regulations in Minnesota, which would fall under general trespassing laws, but also encompasses other acts and behaviors that are deemed illegal on someone’s private property, in addition to “you can’t be on my lawn” concerns. Trespassing as a legal term can seem pretty basic, someone is on your private property that you do not want there and depending on the state, you may be able to forcefully remove that person. But when it comes to research facilities, which often include laboratories, offices, smoking areas, and living quarters for staff members, you may need to consider some other factors for the best outcome.
Research facilities in the pharmaceutical industry are tasked with developing drugs to treat various diseases, disabilities and medical conditions that plague millions all over the world. Some of these facilities focus particular areas, such as toxicology or pharmacovigilance, and as such, should have the support staff to meet their needs. TigerTox, which is a company with world class toxicologists, and a team of experts to manage the drug discovery and development process, works with clients on a variety of levels, including pre- and post-clinical phases in drug trials. They rely on a staff of the best medical professionals, and look for the same caliber in their contracted partners.
From an administrative standpoint, odds are that security is a fairly large budget item, particularly at research facilities that are located in areas that are more prone to trespassing on private property. For example, if you are located near downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, then you may be in an area that receives a decent amount of foot traffic where people who live or work nearby may come and go on the regular with no problem. But if your facility is located in an outlying area, with private roads and few neighbors, then someone who is in the area without reason to be there may be considered suspicious, particularly if they are looking in windows or wandering onto your property after hours.
Another example would be if your research firm is located near a college or university. Parties might be held on your property by students without permission, or they could be trying to take pictures of the facility and staff to use for their academic purposes or other reasons. Because property security can often leave a person either agitated or upset, it’s important to make sure that your security team understands the laws in your area and how to implement them. In addition to simply making someone leave the property, you may be liable if you are accused of injuring someone, even if it was an accident, or you could face fines if the issue becomes a large enough disturbance. This means that it is to your benefit to familiarize yourself with the laws where you are located, including any “you can’t be on my lawn” laws that could leave you fighting off a lawsuit for injuring someone who was trespassing on your property. Most commercial properties have a litany of rules to follow, and as a research facility, you want to be sure that you are not only complying with trespassing laws in Minnesota, but also with the state laws on how to remove a trespasser.