Three Capital Region Hospitals To Add Peace Officers For More Security

A new state law in New York has changed the Peace Officer status, now allowing security officers and guards to engage as Peace Officers and respond to violent incidents, specifically at Capital Region hospitals.

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Peace Officer Status Changed

On July 31st, 2026, New York State updated their rules for Peace Officer status. A Peace Officer is defined as someone in a law enforcement role that has the ability to conduct an arrest.

A peace officer speaking with children

According to their new definitions, certain healthcare security guards will now be upgraded to that status. Their definition is:

"Persons designated as special police officers by the director of a
hospital in the department of health pursuant to section four hundred
fifty-five of the public health law; provided, however, that nothing in
this subdivision shall be deemed to authorize such officer to carry,
possess, repair or dispose of a firearm unless the appropriate license
therefor has been issued pursuant to section 400.00 of the penal law."

Peace Officers in Hospitals

On Friday, August 14th, three Capital Region hospitals (Albany Memorial Hospital, Samaritan Hospital, and St. Peter's Hospital) announced that they would be upgrading their security to peace officer status, allowing them to issue tickets, make arrests, and remove trespassers.

This comes as many healthcare workers are experiencing acts of violence. As such, these measures are simply to protect those helping us, the nurses, caregivers, and doctors that make these hospitals run.

To ensure complete safety, the roles will only be given to those who meet police officer qualifications, which includes retired law enforcement officials and current hospital staff. Anyone assigned to the role will be given hospital-specific training.