New York State Office of Mental Health Police

New York State Office of Mental Health Safety and Security
New York State Office of Mental Health Safety and Security
	Flag of the State of New York
Abbreviation	NYS OMH
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdiction	New York, USA
Legal jurisdiction	State of New York
Operational structure
Safety and Security Officers	634 (2021)
Parent agency	New York State Office of Mental Health
Facilities
Psychiatric Centers	25 [1]

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

History

The New York State Office of Mental Health Safety and Security was created through New York State Mental Hygiene Law to keep patients, staff, and visitors on the campus safe at all times, secure the grounds and buildings of the Office of Mental Health, prevent trespass, prevent patient escapes as well as to transport Office of Mental Health patients to and from court and other OMH facilities.^[2]

Ranks

The Civil Service title used by the New York State Department of Civil Service for OMH Safety & Security is "Safety and Security Officer".

There are three titles (referred to as ranks) within the agency:

Title	Insignia	Uniform Shirt Color
Chief		Navy Blue or White (Depending on Facility)
Sergeant		Navy Blue
Safety/Security Officer		Navy Blue

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 authority under the Mental Hygiene Law (section 7.25), Public Health Law (section 455) and the Criminal Procedure Law (section 2.10–12).^[3]^[1]

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 and the main office of the facility. Many facilities also have radios linked to other facilities operated near by to request and provide assistance. All members wear bullet resistant vests.

Training and Duties

Safety and Security Officers undergo the 7 week Peace Officer Training Academy at the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center located in Utica, New York. New Safety and Security officer must complete the "Peace Officer Basic Course" which 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)
Computer Operations
Fire Science, Safety & Investigations Training

After training each new Safety and Security 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.

Safety and Security 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.

References

^ ^a ^b "Safety & Security Officer Trainee » Department of Civil Service".
^ "2006 New York Code – Safety". JustiaUS Law.com. Justia. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
^ "New York Criminal Procedure Law – ARTICLE 2". New York State Law. NY Criminal Procedure Law. Retrieved 31 May 2012.

External links

New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)
Office of Mental Health in the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Department of Mental Hygiene in the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Information about Kendra's Law, mental health policy in NYC and problems at the NYS Office of Mental Health
Mentally ill New Yorkers need help, article about overcrowding in NY State psychiatric facilities and response by Mental Health office to overcrowded conditions
[2] (New York State Office of Mental Health Police video)

[trainee-1] "Safety & Security Officer Trainee » Department of Civil Service".

[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.

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