A Stronger Security Role for Hospitals
Hospital safety is changing—and so is the role of healthcare security professionals.
Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services
A new New York law grants qualified security officers at St. Peter’s Hospital, Samaritan Hospital and Albany Memorial Hospital expanded peace-officer authority. Officers can detain individuals suspected of offenses, remove trespassers, issue appearance tickets and hold individuals while awaiting law enforcement.
The goal is straightforward: give trained security professionals greater ability to respond immediately to violence and protect patients, visitors and healthcare workers.
The law reflects a growing recognition that hospital security is no longer simply about access control—it is an essential component of workplace safety and emergency response.
Source: New York State Assembly, A10518 (2026); Spectrum News (2026).
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