What's happening
This bill designates uniformed court officers in the town of Ossining, Westchester County, as peace officers.
Why it matters
Expands legal authority of local court officers. By designating uniformed court officers in Ossining as peace officers, the bill grants them new powers, such as making arrests, issuing appearance tickets, and performing other law enforcement functions on court premises.
Potential for increased courtroom safety and incident response. With peace officer status, these court officers can take a more active role in maintaining order and handling emergencies or disruptions in the courts—potentially improving security for staff, judges, and the public.
Firearm restrictions remain in place. The bill specifically states that these officers cannot carry or possess firearms unless they obtain the appropriate license, ensuring that not all peace officer powers are automatically extended to include firearm use, which may address some public or local concerns about increased armament.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Make Court Officers Peace Officers
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Substituted by A6928A
- Ordered to third reading cal.1840
- Committee discharged and committed to rules
- Referred to codes
- Print number 5862a
- Amend (t) and recommit to codes
- Referred to codes
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Make Ossining Court Officers Peace Officers
Vetoed · Sponsor Sandy Galef
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
5862--A
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
May 3, 2017
Introduced by Sen. CARLUCCI -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Codes -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
AN ACT to amend the criminal procedure law, in relation to designating uniformed court officers in the town of Ossining, county of Westchester as peace officers
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law is amended by adding a new subdivision 84 to read as follows:
84. Employees of the town of Ossining serving as uniformed court officers in the courts of the town of Ossining; provided, however, that nothing in this subdivision shall be deemed to authorize such employees to carry, possess, repair or dispose of a firearm unless the appropriate license therefore has been issued pursuant to section 400.00 of the penal law.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD10457-03-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the criminal procedure law, in relation to designating uniformed court officers in the town of Ossining, county of Westchester as peace officers
Purpose or general idea of bill
The purpose of this legislation is to grant peace officer status to uniformed court officers in the town of Ossining, county of Westchester.
Summary of provisions
Section 1. A new subdivision 84 is added to Section 2.10 of the Criminal Procedure Law: 84. Employees of the town of Ossining serving as uniformed court officers in the courts of the town of Ossining; provided, however, that nothing in this subdivision shall be deemed to authorize such employees to carry, possess, repair or dispose of a firearm unless the appropriate license therefore has been issued pursuant to section 400.00 of the Penal Law.
Section 2. Establishes the effective date.
Justification
The Town and Village of Ossining have consolidated their court operations in a cost-saving measure for their taxpayers. The newly consolidated court is a successful example of municipalities sharing services, a top priority for the Governor and State Legislators. Since the consolidation, however, there can be as many as 120 people in the courtroom. Due to the inherent tension and potential for conflict in a courtroom setting, a Village of Ossining police officer has been hired for court sessions at a rate of $65.00 per hour.
This legislation would provide uniformed court officers with peace officer status so that they have the proper training and equipment to maintain order in the courtroom. Since uniformed court officers have a different job classification, there will be significant cost savings. Several counties, towns and villages currently have court officers who have the benefit of peace officer status. The Village of Ossining Police will conduct training classes and all uniformed court officers will be required to make annual visits to the rifle range under the supervision of the Village of Ossining Police. Uniformed court officers will comply with all laws regarding firearms, registration and other required permits.
Prior legislative history
A. 9330 and S. 6994 of 2013/2014
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
There are no fiscal implications to the State. However, there will be a cost savings to the municipality.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.