New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07327

Introduced
4/10/25  
Refer
4/10/25  

Caption

Grants peace officer status to certain security officers employed by Highland Hospital; provides such peace officers are not authorized to carry, possess, repair or dispose of a firearm.

Impact

The introduction of this bill may significantly affect the operational protocols within Highland Hospital, allowing for a more robust security presence that can act under the authority of peace officers. This change may enhance the hospital’s ability to manage situations involving potentially disruptive individuals, ensuring a safer environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Furthermore, it establishes a clear framework for collaboration between hospital security and local law enforcement, which can facilitate timely interventions in crisis situations.

Summary

Bill S07327 proposes to amend existing criminal procedure law to grant peace officer status to certain security officers employed by Highland Hospital. This legislation aims to empower these officers with specific law enforcement abilities within the hospital's premises and in designated situations beyond their geographic area, specifically for the transport of arrested individuals when local law enforcement is unavailable. The bill specifies that these security officers would only wield the limited powers enumerated in the law, focusing primarily on the detention of individuals until law enforcement arrives.

Contention

Notably, the provisions of Bill S07327 do not permit these officers to carry firearms, which might lead to discussions regarding the adequacy of non-lethal measures in ensuring safety. This limitation could generate debate among stakeholders about the balance between security needs and public safety, as some may argue that without the ability to arm themselves, security officers may be hampered in effectively managing volatile situations. Critics may also question whether the duties of these peace officers overly blur the lines between healthcare environments and law enforcement responsibilities.

Companion Bills

NY A07345

Same As Grants peace officer status to certain security officers employed by Highland Hospital; provides such peace officers are not authorized to carry, possess, repair or dispose of a firearm.

Previously Filed As

NY A07345

Grants peace officer status to certain security officers employed by Highland Hospital; provides such peace officers are not authorized to carry, possess, repair or dispose of a firearm.

NY A03988

Grants security officers serving at the village of Ardsley village court peace officer status; provides that such officers shall complete training if they are not otherwise police officers or peace officers.

NY S08324

Grants security officers serving at the village of Ardsley village court peace officer status; provides that such officers shall complete training if they are not otherwise police officers or peace officers.

NY S09328

Grants peace officer status to security officers employed by Albany Memorial Hospital, Samaritan Hospital, and St. Peter's Hospital when acting pursuant to their special duties on the grounds or premises owned, controlled or administered by any such hospital or any of its subsidiaries.

NY A10518

Grants peace officer status to security officers employed by Albany Memorial Hospital, Samaritan Hospital, and St. Peter's Hospital when acting pursuant to their special duties on the grounds or premises owned, controlled or administered by any such hospital or any of its subsidiaries.

NY S09184

Grants peace officer status to security officers employed by St. Joseph's Health Hospital, North Medical Center and Northeast Medical Center when acting pursuant to their special duties on the grounds or premises owned, controlled or administered by any such hospital or any of its subsidiaries.

NY A10328

Grants peace officer status to security officers employed by St. Joseph's Health Hospital, North Medical Center and Northeast Medical Center when acting pursuant to their special duties on the grounds or premises owned, controlled or administered by any such hospital or any of its subsidiaries.

NY SF1390

Certain retired peace officers possession of firearms in the Capitol complex authorization

NY HF924

Certain retired peace officers authorized to possess firearms in the Capitol complex.

NY A08039

Relates to persons designated as peace officers; designates members of the security force employed by Catholic Health Network and Kaleida Health as peace officers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.