New York law permits enhanced security roles at two hospital systems
A law signed July 24 allows trained security personnel at St. Joseph’s Health and St. Peter’s Health Partners to receive peace officer status and take enhanced safety measures.
A New York law signed July 24 allows trained security personnel at St. Joseph’s Health and St. Peter’s Health Partners to receive peace officer status, according to the submitted research material.
The new authority includes intervening in dangerous situations and taking individuals into custody while waiting for law enforcement. Hospital officials said St. Joseph’s recorded 165 workplace-violence incidents over the previous 13 months, including 153 involving physical violence. The hospital expects deployment of the peace officers could take up to a year while agreements with local law enforcement are developed.
This story was written from a community submission and reviewed by a ClickNNY editor before publication.