The New York State Office of Mental Health Safety and Security (NYSOMH Peace Officers) is responsible for providing onsite security and fire safety/prevention services at the 23 state run psychiatric centers located in New York State.[1]
The New York State Office of Mental Health Safety and Security 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.[2]
Ranks
The Civil Service title used by the New York State Department of Civil Service for OMH Safety & Security is "Safety and Security Officer".
There are three titles (referred to as ranks) within the agency:
More information Title, Insignia ...
Title
Insignia
Uniform Shirt Color
Chief
Navy Blue or White (Depending on Facility)
Sergeant
Navy Blue
Safety/Security Officer
Navy Blue
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Promotional exams are routinely given to obtain promotional opportunities.
New York State Mental Health Safety and Security Officers are prohibited by New York State Law and OMH policy to use or carry a firearm, but do carry a expandable baton, handcuffs, flashlight, and a radio that is directly linked to other officers and the main office of the facility. Many facilities also have radios linked to other facilities operated near by to request and provide assistance. All members 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 located in Utica, New York. New Safety and Security officer must complete the "Peace Officer Basic Course" which includes training in:
Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law
Fire, Building and Life Safety Code Enforcement
Lawful Use of Force-Defensive Tactics, Physical Training
Crowd/Riot Control
Arrest Techniques and Processing
Report Writing
Patrol Techniques
Investigative Techniques
Emergency Vehicle Operation
Critical Incident Management(ICS)
Computer Operations
Fire Science, Safety & Investigations Training
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.
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)
