BILL NUMBER:  S7461

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the criminal procedure law, in relation to persons
designated as peace officers


 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :
This bill would grant peace officer status to the security officers of
the Kaleida Health Centers.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :
Amends Section 2.10 of the Criminal Procedure Law by adding a
subdivision that includes under peace officer status all persons
employed by the Kaleida Health Network as members of its security
force.

The new subdivision stipulates that such officers are not authorized
to carry. possess, repair or dispose of a firearm without an
appropriate license issued under Section 400.00 of the Penal Law, or
to authorize such officer to carry or possess a firearm except while
on duty.

 JUSTIFICATION :
Peace officer status will proved Security officers of the Kaleida
Health Network with more capability in protecting the safety of
              

patients, visitors, and employees. It will allow them to perform
"Warrant-less" searches where there is "probably causes and reasonable
belief", without having to place such individuals under citizens
arrest. A citizen's arrest requires involvement of the Buffalo Police
Department and ties up a security officer for many hours in the
process.

Currently there is no protection for the officer who places a person
under citizen's arrest. Security officers have been helpless in
approaching individuals known to have stolen hospital property, or in
approaching obvious psychotic, alcoholic and drug abuse patients who
need physicians care, but refuse. Peace officer status will authorize
security officers to detain such individuals for further police or
physician attention.

Peace officer status also protects the security officers by providing
a more serious charge against persons intending to injure a peace
officer. It will also enable Kaleida Health Network security officers
to take special training courses which will enhance their capabilities
and provide a better service to all.

The change will not affect job descriptions nor require increased
salary levels. It will also not require any necessity to increase the
number of officers who work, per shift.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
None.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :
 None.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become law.