The New York City Health and Hospitals Police Department (NYHP) is a law enforcement agency in New York City whose duties are to provide on-site security services at hospitals and clinics operated by the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) and to enforce state and city laws at those facilities.
History
NYC DHS POLICE -
New York City Health and Hospitals Special Officers have provided onsite security to the New York City Hospitals since the 1940s, when they were known as the City of New York Department of Hospitals. The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) was established in 1965 to operate New York City public hospitals. Until 1973, HHC-operated hospitals were patrolled by both hospital special officers and police officers from the New York City Police Department.
In 1973, Special Patrolmen were hired to replace the NYPD officers. However, it wasn't until 1980 when "Special Officers employed by the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation" were added to NYS Criminal Procedure Law 2.10.
NYC HHC Special Officers
New York City Health and Hospitals special officers are NYS Peace Officers with limited powers. They are employed as a NYC Health and Hospitals special officers as per civil service title and NYS criminal procedure law (2.10 sub 40).
NYC Health and Hospitals special Officers can be promoted to the position of Sergeant provided they take and pass a civil service exam and subsequent training course, and may be appointed to the position of Detective, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Director, or Director.
Ranks
There are eight titles (referred to as ranks) in the New York City Health and Hospitals Police:
Power and Authority
New York City Health and Hospitals Special Officers are NYS peace officers under New York State Criminal Procedure law, chapter subdivision 27, §2.10 Sub 40 which grants them limited powers to make warrantless arrests, issue criminal court summonses, and use physical force.
Training
New York City Health and Hospitals Special Officers must complete peace officer training. The current training course is eight weeks which is given at Bellevue hospital. The curriculum includes training in basic criminal and civil procedure law, police science, powers of a peace officer, defensive tactics, radio use, arrest procedures, and first aid/CPR.
NYC Health and Hospitals Special Officers are required to attend annual in-service training to ensure compliance with applicable provisions of the New York State’s Division of Criminal Justice Services.
Equipment
NYC Health and Hospitals Special Officers are not authorized to carry a firearm as per New York State Law (Criminal Procedure Law). They do carry expandable baton, handcuffs, flashlight, and a radio that is directly linked to other officers.
Deaths in the line of duty
Since the establishment of the New York City Health and Hospitals, one Special officer has died in the line of duty.
See also
- List of law enforcement agencies in New York
- Law enforcement in New York City
- New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation
- New York City Department of Homeless Services Police
- Hospital police
- Security police
References
External links
- Teamsters Local 237