Provides procedures for resolution of disputes between a public employer and Suffolk county probation officers

Title of bill

An act to amend the civil service law, in relation to resolution of disputes between a public employer and Suffolk county probation officers

Purpose

To provide procedures for resolution of disputes between a public employer and Suffolk County Probation Officers.

Summary of provisions

This legislation amends Section 209 of the Civil Service Law to provide binding arbitration to Suffolk County Probation Officers in the event of disputes reaching an impasse in the course of collective negotiations not relating to disciplinary procedures and investigations or eligibility and assignment to details and positions.

Justification

Binding arbitration provides a fair and timely method for resolving protracted contractual disputes between public employers and critical public safety employees. Over the years, the State Legislature has seen the importance of expanding binding arbitration to numerous public safety groups.

In 2005, the Legislature approved binding arbitration for the Suffolk County Corrections Officers. Suffolk County Probation Officer, like Corrections Officers are classified as "Peace Officers." Probation Officers undergo intensive public safety/rehabilitation training, including the use of firearms. The 290 Suffolk County Probation Officers supervise approximately 14,000 felony/misdemeanor offenders in the community. They conduct over 8000 investigations annually to assist the court in determining sentence. In addition, they execute felony and misdemeanor arrest warrants, conduct warrant-less searches for weapons and narcotics, confiscate contraband and make summary arrests. Suffolk County Probation Officers are assigned to work on task forces with the United States Marshals Service, the Suffolk County police Department's Criminal Intelligence Division and the East End Drug Task Force.

Similar to Suffolk County Police Officers, Deputy Sheriffs and Corrections Officers, Probation Officers face many of the same inherent dangers while performing public their safety duties. Expanding binding arbitration to Suffolk County Probation Officers will add yet another deserving public safety organization in need of a fair way to resolve contract disputes. It will also provide parity and consistency with other Suffolk County public safety flaw enforcement organizations.

Legislative history

2007: Senate Rules Cmte./Assemb1y Governmental Employees Cmte. 2008: Passed Senate/Assembly Governmental Employees Cmte.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately, provided, however, that the amendments to subdivision 2 of section 209 of the civil service law made by section one of this act shall be subject to the expiration and reversion of such subdivision pursuant to section 3 of chapter 485 of the laws of 1990, as amended, when upon such date the provisions of section two of this act shall take effect; and provided further that the amendments to subdivision 4 of section 209 of the civil service law, made by sections three and four of this act, shall not affect the expiration of such subdivision and shall be deemed to expire therewith.