NY S06881

Changes the Justice Center's criminal unit from "prosecution" to "investigation" and requires criminal matters to be referred to law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction.

Requires the special prosecutor to obtain consent from the district attorney before prosecuting offenses involving abuse or neglect of vulnerable persons by custodians.

Preserves district attorneys' ultimate authority to receive complaints, investigate, and prosecute suspected abuse or neglect cases independently.

Allows district attorneys to appoint the special prosecutor and assistants as special assistant district attorneys for investigations and prosecutions involving vulnerable person abuse or neglect cases.

Establishes that sworn investigators employed by the Justice Center qualify as "peace officers" under criminal procedure law, with provisions for certification under Executive Law section 846-h.