What is the general authority of a NYS Court Officer regarding detention on court property?

• A. To detain individuals as allowed by law and department policy, and to cooperate with law enforcement.
• B. To detain anyone at will without policy.
• C. To detain only during non-violent incidents.
• D. To detain no one and refer to police.

Answer: (A)

Court Officers at NYS courts are sworn peace officers whose authority to detain on court property comes from law and department policy. This means they can detain individuals when there is a lawful basis—such as preventing harm, enforcing courthouse rules, or responding to suspected offenses—while following established procedures and guidelines. They also work with local law enforcement as needed to handle arrests or further action. The power to detain is not unlimited or unilateral; it must be grounded in statute and policy to protect safety and rights. That’s why the correct understanding is that they detain as allowed by law and department policy, and cooperate with law enforcement. Detaining at will, only during non-violent incidents, or not detaining anyone at all would not reflect their role or the safeguards that govern their authority.