New York State Office of Mental Health Police

The New York State Office of Mental Health Police (NYSOMH Police) are responsible for providing onsite security and fire safety/prevention services at the 23 state run psychiatric centers located in New York State.[1]

New York State Office of Mental Health Police
New York State Office of Mental Health Police patch
Flag of the State of New York
AbbreviationNYS OMHPD
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdictionNew York, USA
Legal jurisdictionState of New York
General nature

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.[2]

Ranks

The Safety and Security titles used by the agency 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 Officers maintain Peace Officer status which grants them limited powers under the Mental Hygiene Law (section 7.25), Public Health Law (section 455) and the Criminal Procedure Law (section 2.10–12).[3].[4].

Equipment

New York State Mental Health Safety and Security Officers are prohibited by New York State Law and OMH policy to use or carry a firearm, but do carry a expandable baton, handcuffs, flashlight, and a radio that is directly linked to other officers.

Training and Duties

Officers undergo the 7 week Peace Officer Training Academy at the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center located in Utica, New York. Training for new officers exceeds the "New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services Standards for Peace Officers". The "Peace Officer Basic Course" includes training in:

  • Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law
  • Fire, Building and Life Safety Code Enforcement
  • Lawful Use of Force-Defensive Tactics, Physical Training
  • Crowd/Riot Control
  • Arrest Techniques and Processing
  • Report Writing
  • Patrol Techniques
  • Investigative Techniques
  • Emergency Vehicle Operation
  • Critical Incident Management(ICS)
  • Weapons of Mass Destruction
  • Computer Operations
  • Fire Science, Safety & Investigations Training

After training each new officer completes a minimum six week on-the-job field training supervised by a senior officer from their respective facility.

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, apprehending absconded patients and executing Mental Hygiene warrants.

Officers are also responsible for conducting fire service procedures which include conducting fire drills, fire safety classes, fire extinguisher inspections and building inspections. Furthermore they maintain peace, safety and security in their assigned facilities as well as the surrounding communities.

See also

References
  1. https://www.cs.ny.gov/announarchive/announcements/26-809.cfm?live=false
  2. "2006 New York Code – Safety". JustiaUS Law.com. Justia. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  3. "New York Criminal Procedure Law – ARTICLE 2". New York State Law. NY Criminal Procedure Law. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  4. https://www.cs.ny.gov/announarchive/announcements/26-809.cfm?live=false
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.