[1] The New York State Office of Mental Health Safety and Security was created through New York State Mental Hygiene Law to keep patients, staff, and visitors on the campus safe at all times, secure the grounds and buildings of the Office of Mental Health, prevent trespass, prevent patient escapes as well as to transport Office of Mental Health patients to and from court and other OMH facilities.

New York State OMH Safety and Security Officers maintain Peace Officer status which grants them limited authority under the Mental Hygiene Law (section 7.25), Public Health Law (section 455) and the Criminal Procedure Law (section 2.10–12).

[3][1] New York State Mental Health Safety and Security Officers are prohibited by New York State Law and OMH policy to use or carry a firearm, but do carry a expandable baton, handcuffs, flashlight, and a radio that is directly linked to other officers and the main office of the facility.

Safety and Security Officers undergo the 7 week Peace Officer Training Academy at the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center located in Utica, New York.

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.