Relates to the jurisdiction of University of Rochester peace officers

3 Co-sponsors

• Rich Funke
• Patrick M. Gallivan
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer

Title of bill

An act to amend the criminal procedure law, in relation to the jurisdiction of University of Rochester peace officers

Purpose

To establish the jurisdiction of University of Rochester peace officers to include within one hundred yards of University property in Monroe County and to apply University peace officer authority equally across all premises owned, controlled or administered by the University of Rochester within Monroe County.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill would amend the Criminal Procedure Law to establish the jurisdiction of University of Rochester designated peace officers to include within one hundred yards of property owned, controlled or administered by the University of Rochester within Monroe County and outside that jurisdiction when mutually agreed upon with the chief law enforcement officer for that jurisdiction. Paragraph (c) of subdivision 83 of section 2.20 of the criminal procedure law is removed to apply University of Rochester peace officer authority equally across all University grounds.

Section 2 of the bill is the effective date.

Existing law

Criminal Procedure Law 2.10 authorizes an enumerated list of government and non-government entities which may designate peace officers. Subdivision 83 of section 2.20 of criminal procedure law authorizes public safety officers employed by the University of Rochester to be designated as peace officers.

Justification

This bill would further improve public safety for the thousands of students, faculty, staff, patients, families, and visitors to the many educational institutions on the University of Rochester campus, including the University of Rochester Medical Center. A modest change of geographic jurisdiction will allow peace officers designated by the University of Rochester to appropriately and quickly respond to incidents occurring immediately adjacent to University property, which often involves members of the University community. The legislation will further improve the safety of the University community by authorizing peace officers designated by the University of Rochester to have consistent powers regardless of which building they are in within the campus. Current law limits University of Rochester peace officer powers within Strong Memorial Hospital only. Peace officers employed by the University are frequently assigned to different buildings on campus, and consistent application of authority will ensure the most timely and appropriate enforcement response. This bill would not expand the powers of University designated peace officers in any way, including permitting such officers to carry fire arms.

Prior legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.