New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Police


The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Police, is a law enforcement agency that provides on-site security services to the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities grounds and facilities within the New York State.

History

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Police was created through New York State Mental Hygiene Law to provided security on the grounds and buildings of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and to transport People with Developmental Disabilities patients to and from court and other OPWDD facilities.

Safety and Security Officers

OPWDD Safety and Security Officers are New York State peace officer status which grants them limited powers of arrest under the Mental Hygiene Law, Public Health Law, and Criminal Procedure Law. The NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities uses the "Safety and Security Officer" title for its OPWDD officers.

Equipment

OPWDD Safety and Security Officers are prohibited from the use firearms under state law, They do however carry an expandable baton, handcuffs, a flashlight, and a radio that is directly linked to other Safety and Security Officers.

Training

New York State OPWDD Safety and Security Officers attend a peace officer training academy at The New York State Preparedness Training Center located in Central New York. The "Peace Officer Basic Course" includes training in:
New Safety and Security Officers must complete a minimum six week on-the-job field training supervised by a Senior Officer from their respective facility.
OPWDD Safety and Security Officers can issue summonses and can effect arrest. 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, conduct investigations, search for and eliminate contraband, performing escorts of patients to off-site facilities and apprehending absconded patients.
OPWDD Safety and Security Officers are responsible for conducting fire service procedures which include conducting fire drills, fire safety classes, fire extinguisher inspections, and building inspections. Furthermore, they maintain peace and security in an OPWDD State facility.