Chair Hudson questions DHS on peace officer misconduct and training

In 2024, New York State Focus released a report about misconduct among peace officers and shelters and cited disciplinary incidents involving 31 officers.

Some of these incidents included the use of excessive physical force against shelter residents.

How many shelters have peace officers?

You mentioned earlier that DHS has 352.

Peace officers.

Right.

Well, I think the commissioner did in her testimony, not you specifically, but 352 peace officers.

So how many shelters have peace officers?

18 shelters.

18.

Thank you.

And how many peace officers are assigned to a shelter and how is that determination made?

So staffing ranges from 10 to 26.

Can you just pull the microphone closer?

Sorry.

Thank you.

Staffing ranges from 10 to 26 peace officers in the shelters that have the HS police.

We determine those assignments based on the level of police presence needed to support each site's daily operational needs and security risks.

Okay, thank you.

This may be a little redundant, so forgive me if it is, but what training do peace officers who work in DHS shelters receive?

And is this different than the training given to security guards?

So DHS peace officers receive comprehensive training through our DCJES-approved police training academy,

but training programs that have also been evaluated and recognized by the National College Credit Recommendation Service with initial peace officer training recommended for 10 college clients.

Reflecting the depth and rigor of the curriculum, which is different than the training given to security guards.

Training begins with an issue peace officer instruction and continues throughout an officer's career through in-service training and annual certification requirements.

The curriculum covers law enforcement procedures, appropriate use of force, defensive tactics, crisis intervention, de-escalation, conflict resolution, and emergency response.

Beyond the technical aspects of law enforcement, we place significant emphasis on communication.

Sound judgment, and understanding the unique needs of the individuals we serve.

We also continuously review and expand our training curriculum to reflect the evolving needs of our shelter populations, reinforce professional standards, and strengthen how officers respond to challenging situations.

Our expectation is that every officer understands not only the authority they have, but the responsibility that comes with exercising that authority appropriately, professionally, and with respect for the people we serve.

Okay, thank you for that answer.

What is DHS's process for reviewing and dealing with complaints against peace officers in shelters?

So all complaints received for DHS peace officers are routed to our DSS legal and our DSS special investigation division for appropriate review and action.

Thank you for that.