NY S05225

Changes the designation of safety officers from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("SHALL") for commissioners and directors of mental health facilities and hospitals in the Office of Mental Health

Expands the scope of peace officer powers granted to safety officers by removing the limitation that such powers only apply "while performing duties in or arising out of the course of their employment"

Authorizes safety officers to issue simplified traffic information and appearance tickets for traffic infractions and appearance tickets for non-felony offenses in lieu of arrest

Clarifies that safety officers designated at hospitals shall be called "safety officers" rather than "attendants or other employees" and grants them full peace officer powers as defined in Criminal Procedure Law section 2.20

Takes effect immediately upon enactment