What's happening
This bill designates Saratoga Hospital security force members as peace officers with limited powers on hospital property.
Why it matters
Expands the authority of hospital security. By granting Saratoga Hospital security officers peace officer status, the bill allows them to perform certain law enforcement functions (such as detaining individuals under specific circumstances) that regular security guards cannot, potentially improving the hospital’s ability to manage disruptive or dangerous situations on its property.
Limits scope and powers to hospital grounds. The new powers only apply within and directly adjacent to Saratoga Hospital’s buildings, meaning these officers have no authority outside the hospital campus, which helps prevent overreach and keeps the focus on hospital safety.
Restricts firearm possession. Security officers are not automatically granted the right to carry firearms; they must obtain the appropriate gun licenses under existing state law, which maintains oversight and safety standards regarding armed personnel in the hospital.
Includes mental health intervention powers. By referencing section 9.41 of the mental hygiene law, the bill specifically enables these officers to detain individuals who may pose a danger to themselves or others due to mental illness, supporting a targeted response to psychiatric emergencies in the hospital setting.
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Make Hospital Guards Peace Officers
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- 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 Hospital Guards Peace Officers
In Assembly Committee · Codes · Sponsor Carrie Woerner
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
8496
IN SENATE
May 9, 2018
Introduced by Sen. MARCHIONE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the criminal procedure law, in relation to designating members of the security force at Saratoga Hospital 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 85 to read as follows:
85. Members of the security force employed by Saratoga Hospital within and directly adjacent to the hospital buildings on the medical campus located at 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, New York owned and operated by Saratoga Hospital. These officers shall only have the powers in section 9.41 of the mental hygiene law and the powers listed in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (h) and (i) of subdivision one of section 2.20 of this article. Provided that in order to exercise the powers set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (d) of subdivision one of section 2.20 of this article, the officer has actual knowledge, or probable cause to believe, that such individual has committed an offense; provided however, that nothing in this subdivision shall be deemed to authorize such officer to carry, possess, repair or dispose of a firearm unless the appropriate license therefor 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.
LBD04411-02-8
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 members of the security force at Saratoga Hospi- tal as peace officers
Purpose
To grant members of the security force at Saratoga Hospital with the required training and course of instruction, peace officer powers subject to certain conditions.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 amends Section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law by adding a new subdivision 85. Peace officer status is limited to the security force within and directly adjacent to the hospital buildings on the medical campus at 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, New York. These Peace officers would have the following powers as described in:
Section 9.41 of the mental hygiene law, to temporarily detain or take into custody any person who is mentally ill and is conducting himself or herself in a manner which is likely to result in serious harm to the person or others
Section 2.20, subdivision 1 (a), (b) and (d) of the criminal procedure law and with probable cause or actual knowledge to believe that an indi- vidual has committed an offense, make warrantless arrests, use physical and deadly physical force in making an arrest or preventing an escape and to issue appearance tickets
Section 2.20, subdivision 1 (c), (h) and (i) of the criminal procedure law, to carry out warrantless searches, to possess and take custody of firearms not owned by the peace officer, for the purpose of disposing, guarding, or any other lawful purpose and any other power authorized to exercise by special or local law or charter.
Justification
By granting the security officers of Saratoga Hospital peace officer status, public safety is improved within the hospital as well as the grounds of the medical campus and in turn, surrounding neighborhoods.
Security guards at Kaleida Health and Strong Memorial Hospital have been granted peace officer status in the last few years and Saratoga Hospital feels it very important for their officers to have this status as well. Additionally, the Hospital is the largest healthcare provider in the immediate area and is an integral part of the critical infrastructure. As such it requires the highest level of protection in order to maintain the vision and goals consistent with the NYS Homeland Security Strategy. Saratoga Hospital desires this proactive measure before serious harm takes place at the Hospital.
Legislative history
S.6237 of 2016 (Passed Senate).
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
Immediately
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.