St. Joseph's Health Takes New Steps to Address Rising Violence Against Healthcare Workers

 

SYRACUSE, N.Y.— Leaders from St. Joseph's Health joined New York state lawmakers today to formally announce the passage of legislation granting peace officer authority to qualified St. Joseph's Health security officers.

 

The legislation comes as healthcare workers face increasing threats on the job. At St. Joseph's Health, violence against staff, including punching, kicking and biting, has risen 60 percent over the past six years, and violence in the Emergency Department has increased 100 percent.

 

"During my career as a nurse, I have been struck, bitten and threatened while caring for patients,” said Lauren Giannetti, Director of the Hospital Behavioral Health programs and Co-Chair of St. Joseph’s Workplace Violence Committee. “I have had my hair pulled, my property damaged and have had patients threaten my life and my family, including one incident in which a patient pulled a knife on me while I was providing care in a hospital room."

 

“Healthcare workers are facing levels of aggression that would have been unimaginable a generation ago,” said Dr. Steven Hanks, president and CEO of St. Joseph's Health and St. Peter's Health Partners. “No one should have to fear being assaulted while caring for patients.”

 

Assembly bill A10518 and Senate bill S9328, sponsored by New York State Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D – 127^th District) and New York State Senator Chris Ryan (D – 50th District), were signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul on July 24, 2026. The bills give trained security personnel at St. Joseph’s Health and St. Peter’s Health Partners enhanced authority to intervene in dangerous situations, remove trespassers, issue appearance tickets, take individuals into custody when appropriate and help maintain safety while awaiting local law enforcement response.

 

“We are incredibly grateful to Assemblymember Stirpe and Senator Ryan for their leadership, advocacy, and unwavering support,” said Dr. Hanks. “The passage of this legislation marks a significant milestone not only for our healthcare system, but for hospitals across New York State. As healthcare organizations continue to face increasing incidents of workplace violence, this law provides trained hospital security personnel with an important additional tool to help deescalate potentially dangerous situations, respond more effectively when incidents occur, and enhance protections for patients, visitors, and healthcare workers.”

 

"Our healthcare workers deserve a safe environment to provide our communities with the best possible medical services,” said Assemblyman Al Stirpe. “That is why I was the lead sponsor of this legislation to grant peace officer status to St. Joseph's security officers to give them the tools they need to ensure that Central New York medical spaces are properly protected. I am thankful for Senator Ryan's collaboration in passing this bill, and I am glad that the Governor has signed it into law."

 

"This is an important step toward ensuring patients and healthcare workers at St. Joseph's Health know they are in a safe and secure environment where they can focus on what matters most, healing and providing care,” added Senator Ryan. “By granting peace officer status to hospital security officers, we are strengthening the safety and security of the hospital for everyone who walks through its doors. Patients should be able to seek care without fear, and healthcare workers should be able to do their jobs without worrying about violence or disruption. I'm proud to have sponsored this legislation in the State Senate and grateful to see it signed into law."

 

With the legislation in place, the work now begins to develop and implement a peace officer program. Led by Joshua Laiacona, Regional Director – Safety and Security Services St. Joseph’s Health and St. Peter’s Health Partners, the program will be built upon enhanced training, professional standards, regulatory compliance, and appropriate oversight.

 

“Peace officer status carries significant responsibility and accountability, and we expect any future designees to meet standards that reflect the seriousness of that role,” said Laiacona. “We intend to proceed carefully, transparently, and in close partnership with local law enforcement, regulatory agencies, organizational leadership, our colleagues, and our communities.”

 

Current plans include hiring former law enforcement professionals to serve in peace officer roles. Those selected will undergo rigorous training and be held to strict accountability standards, with a focus on de-escalation techniques and the unique needs of healthcare environments. Once the program is established, the officers will patrol the St. Joseph’s Health Hospital campus, Northeast Medical Center in Fayetteville and North Medical Center in Liverpool.

 

Obtaining peace officer status is just one component of a much broader workplace violence prevention and public safety strategy St. Joseph’s Health has undertaken in recent years. The healthcare system has invested heavily in strengthening its security infrastructure, recruiting experienced public safety professionals, enhancing workplace violence prevention programs, implementing weapons detection technology, deploying staff duress systems, and expanding K-9 capabilities.

 

Since fiscal year 2020 (July 2019 - June 2020), Trinity Health New York (which includes both St. Joseph’s Health and St. Peter’s Health Partners) has made a significant investment in strengthening security operations, with total operating expenses increasing approximately $5.8M (a change of 119%). This amount represents operating expenses for the security departments only and does not include those security-related capital investments (e.g. access control enhancements, camera systems, and other infrastructure).

 

“I’m grateful to our security teams, hospital leadership, and elected officials for recognizing that violence should never be considered part of the job,” said Giannetti. “This legislation is an important step forward, and I’m optimistic about the positive impact it will have on the safety of our colleagues, patients, and visitors. Together, we are creating an environment where caregivers can focus on what they do best: providing exceptional care.”