when was opwdd established?
The agency is based in Albany, New York at 44 Holland Avenue.[3]
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Police (NYSOPWDD Police) is responsible for providing onsite security services at the 13 field offices located in New York State. They also transport people with Developmental Disabilities patients to and from court and other OPWDD facilities.[4] OPWDD Safety and Security Officers have New York State peace officer status which grants them limited powers of arrest under the Mental Hygiene Law (section 13.25), Public Health Law (section 455), and Criminal Procedure Law (section 2.10-12).[4][5][6] The NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities uses the title "Safety and Security Officer" for its OPWDD officers.[6]
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Police Safety and Security Officers are prohibited by New York State Law and ( OPWDD ) policy to use or carry a firearm, but do carry a expandable baton, handcuffs, mace, bulletproof vests, flashlight, and a radio that is directly linked to other officers and the main office of the facility. The Civil Service title used by the New York State Department of Civil Service for OMH Police is "Safety and Security Officer". There are three titles (referred to as ranks) within the agency:
Promotional exams are routinely given to obtain promotional opportunities. New Safety and Security officer must complete the "Peace Officer Basic Course" which includes training in:
After training each new Safety and Security officer completes a minimum six week on-the-job field training supervised by a senior officer from their respective facility.
Some of the duties performed by these officers include, but are not limited to, enforcing state and local laws, protecting persons and property, prevent and detect crime, search for and eliminate contraband, performing escorts of patients to off-site facilities, apprehending absconded patients and executing Mental Hygiene warrants.
Safety and Security Officers are also responsible for conducting fire service procedures which include conducting fire drills, fire safety classes, fire extinguisher inspections and building inspections. Furthermore they maintain peace, safety and security in their assigned facilities.
OPWDD was created in 1978 as the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, an independent cabinet-level state agency, largely because of the need for an autonomous entity to implement the Willowbrook consent decree and the resulting closure and downsizing of institutions.
