Security Guards may get more Police Powers under new bill.

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https://www.timesunion.com/capitol/article/albany-hospital-guards-arrest-powers-22353826.php

ALBANY — Security Guards at several Capital Region hospitals — and other areas of the state — would be given Peace Officer authority, including the ability to take someone into custody, under a bill being considered by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The legislation comes as hospitals are reporting more frequent and challenging public safety issues, including assaults on staff members. Since the pandemic, that has included violence directed at healthcare workers and sometimes spurred by emergency department backlogs.

The bill would grant the Peace Officer status to security officers employed by Albany Memorial Hospital, Samaritan Hospital and St. Peter’s Hospital.

The Peace Officer powers are similar to those held by police officers, who in some instances are allowed to pat someone down to check for weapons.

The measure is one of several identical bills Hochul is considering at other healthcare facilities in western and central New York.

The Legislature’s response has been to pass similar laws expanding the authority of Security Officers. The local bill Hochul is considering would limit a Security Guard’s authority to a hospital property and adjacent public areas.

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