Operations jurisdiction* State of New York, USA | ||
Legal personality Governmental: Government agency Legal jurisdiction Buildings & lands occupied or explicitly controlled by the Office of Mental Health General nature Law enforcement
Civilian police | ||
The New York State Office of Mental Health Police (OMH Police) is a law enforcement agency that provides on-site safety and security services to the New York State Office of Mental Health grounds and facility within the New York State.
Contents
History
The New York State Office of Mental Health Police was created through New York State Mental Hygiene Law to secure the grounds and buildings of the Office of Mental Health, protect staff and patients, prevent patient escapes as well as to transport Office of Mental Health patients to and from court and other OMH facilities.
Ranks
The Safety and Security titles are separated into three separate ranks: Chief, Sergeant, and Officer. Promotional exams are routinely given to obtain promotional opportunities.
Powers and Authority
New York State OMH Safety and Security Officer are New York State Peace Officer status which is granted under the Mental Hygiene Law (section 7.25) Public Health Law (section 455), and the Criminal Procedure Law (section 2.10–12). The Office of Mental Health uses the civil service title of "Safety and Security Officer".
Equipment
New York State mental health hospitals are treated in the same manner as correctional faciilities in regards to a strict no firearm policy in order to prevent inmates from overpowering an officer and obtaining a firearm, so therefore OMH Safety and Security Officers are not authorized to carry firearms. They do carry expandable baton, handcuffs, flashlight, and a radio that is directly linked to other Safety and Security Officers
Training
New York State OMH Safety and Security Officer undergo the peace officer training academy at The New York State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC) located in Central New York.Training for new officers meets or exceeds the "New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services Standards for Peace Officers". The "Peace Officer Basic Course" includes training in:
After training each new officer completes a minimum six week on-the-job field training supervised by a Senior Officer from their respective facility.
New York State OMH Safety and Security Officer can issue summonses and effect an arrest(s) on grounds and buildings of the Office of Mental Health. Some of the duties performed by these officers include, but are not limited to, enforcing state and local laws, protecting persons and property, prevent and detect crime, search for and eliminate contraband, performing escorts of patients to off-site facilities and apprehending absconded patients.
New York State Safety and Security Officer are responsible for conducting fire service procedures which include conducting fire drills, fire safety classes, fire extinguisher inspections, and building inspections. Furthermore, they maintain peace and security in the OMH State agency, facility, or community residence. .