New York Senate Bill S02681

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/25
• Refer: 1/22/25
• Engrossed: 6/13/25
• Refer: 6/13/25
• Enrolled: 12/8/25
• Vetoed: 12/19/25

Caption

Requires the superintendent of state police to develop, maintain and disseminate to all members of the division of state police a critical incident leave policy requiring critical incident paid leave for any members directly involved in a critical incident; prohibits such superintendent from taking any punitive administrative action against any member of the division of state police granted critical incident leave solely on the basis of the provision of such leave.

Impact

The introduction of this bill is likely to have significant implications for state police operations, particularly in how incidents involving the use of force are handled. By formalizing a procedure for granting leave, the bill seeks to provide clarity and support for officers during potentially traumatic events. This aligns with broader efforts to address the psychological impacts of law enforcement duties, acknowledging that officers may need time away from duty to recover from the stress associated with critical incidents.

Summary

S02681 aims to establish a critical incident leave policy for members of the Division of State Police in New York. This policy mandates that state police officers directly involved in critical incidents—defined as actions resulting in serious physical injury or death where the use of force was justified—be granted paid leave. The duration of this leave is differentiated based on the officer's involvement; those whose actions directly caused injury or death are entitled to 30 days of paid leave, while those involved but not directly responsible receive 15 days.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding S02681, particularly regarding the interpretation of 'critical incidents' and how this policy might affect future administrative actions. The bill prohibits punitive measures against officers who utilize their critical incident leave but could raise concerns about accountability and oversight in law enforcement. Critics of the policy may view it as providing too much protection for officers, while supporters argue that it is a necessary step for mental health and well-being in a demanding profession.