NY S00247

Changes designation of safety officers from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall") for commissioners and directors in the Office of Mental Health and developmental disability facilities

Expands peace officer powers of safety officers to apply at all times, removing the previous limitation that powers only applied "while performing duties in or arising out of the course of their employment"

Replaces "attendants or other employees" with "safety officers" as the designated personnel in hospital departments who may exercise special policeman powers

Removes geographic limitations on peace officer powers for hospital safety officers, allowing them to exercise full peace officer authority beyond just "the grounds and premises"

Takes effect immediately upon enactment