New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is an executive agency in the state of New York, whose mission is to provide services and conduct research for those with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities (I/DD). It is one of New York State’s largest agencies, with a mandate to provide services and supports to more than 130,000 people[1] with intellectual or developmental disabilities and leads a workforce of more than 22,000 direct support staff, clinicians, nurses, researchers and other professionals throughout the state. It operates 13 Developmental Disabilities Services Offices which operate group homes for the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in its care. Prior to July 2010, the agency was named the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.[2][3]
The agency that would become the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities was created in 1978 as the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. The agency was established in response to the 1972 Willowbrook State School exposé, lawsuit, and subsequent Consent Decree of 1975.[5]
OPWDD maintains five Developmental Disability Regional Offices that are responsible for coordinating and overseeing not-for-profit provider services, and managing the enrollment process.[3]
In additional to eligibility, individuals have to demonstrate a need for each service sought. Most OPWDD services are provided through New York State's Medicaid program, which is jointly funded by the federal and state governments.[17] Individuals requiring supports and services beyond 100% NY State funded services must enroll in OPWDD’s HCBS 1915(c) Waiver program.[18]
To provide support for a family whose loved one with a developmental disability lives at home. May include can include social skills training, crisis support, behavioral support, and family reimbursement.
To provide some rehabilitative support such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology or diagnostic and evaluation services.
Services may be provided directly by OPWDD or through not-for-profit service provider agencies.
Safety and security officers
Former patch
New York State OMRDD 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).[29][30] The New York State OMRDD 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. The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities ( Police ) are employed as Safety and Security Officers. They 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 OPWDD ( Police ) is "Safety and Security Officer". There are three titles (referred to as ranks) within the agency:
Title
Insignia
Uniform Shirt Color
Chief
Navy Blue or White (Depending on Facility)
Sergeant
Navy Blue
Safety/Security Officer
Navy Blue
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:
Penal law, criminal procedure law
Fire, building and life safety code enforcement
Lawful use of force, defensive tactics, physical training
Crowd and riot control
Arrest techniques and processing
Report writing
Patrol techniques
Investigative techniques
Emergency vehicle operation
Critical incident management
Weapons of mass destruction
Computer operations
Fire science, safety and investigations training
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.
