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

History

The New York State Office of Mental Health Police 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.

Ranks

The Civil Service title used by the New York State Department of Civil Service for OMH Police is "Safety and Security Officer". There are three titles (referred to as ranks) within the agency: 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 The ''Consolidated Laws of the State of New York'' are the codification of the permanent laws of a general nature of New York enacted by the New York State Legislature. It is composed of several chapters, or laws. New York uses a system called ...

(section 7.25), Public Health Law (section 455) and the

Criminal Procedure Law Criminal procedure is the adjudication process of the criminal law. While criminal procedure differs dramatically by jurisdiction, the process generally begins with a formal criminal charge with the person on trial either being free on bail or ...

(section 2.10–12).

Equipment

New York State Mental Health Safety and Security Officers are prohibited by OMH policy to use or carry a firearm, but do carry a expandable baton,

handcuffs Handcuffs are Physical restraint, restraint devices designed to secure an individual's wrists in proximity to each other. They comprise two parts, linked together by a Link chain, chain, a hinge, or rigid bar. Each cuff has a rotating arm whi ...

flashlight A flashlight ( US, Canada) or torch ( UK, Australia) is a portable hand-held electric lamp. Formerly, the light source typically was a miniature incandescent light bulb, but these have been displaced by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) since the ...

, and a

radio Radio is the technology of signaling and communicating using radio waves. Radio waves are electromagnetic waves of frequency between 30 hertz (Hz) and 300 gigahertz (GHz). They are generated by an electronic device called a transmit ...

that is directly linked to other officers and the main office of the facility. Many facilities also have

radios Radio is the technology of signaling and communicating using radio waves. Radio waves are electromagnetic waves of frequency between 30 hertz (Hz) and 300 gigahertz (GHz). They are generated by an electronic device called a transmitt ...

linked to local, county and/or other state police agencies that operate near their facility to request and provide assistance. All members are issued and required to 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 Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center is a psychiatric hospital located in Utica. Its predecessor was established in 1836. History ''Mohawk Valley Psychiatric'' was once called Utica State Hospital; the latter was a lunatic asylum. This haven for t ...

located in Utica, New York. New Safety and Security officer must complete the "Peace Officer Basic Course" which includes training in: 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

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

* ttp://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-02-23/news/31092984_1_mental-illness-mental-health-psychiatric-beds Mentally ill New Yorkers need help article about overcrowding in NY State psychiatric facilities and response by Mental Health police to overcrowded conditions

(New York State Office of Mental Health Police video) {{DEFAULTSORT:New York State Office Of Mental Health Police State law enforcement agencies of New York (state) Specialist police departments of New York (state)