New York § 120 - 120Custody and supervision of persons in correctional facilities

Full text of New York New York Consolidated Laws § 120 — 120Custody and supervision of persons in correctional facilities, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 120. 120Custody and supervision of persons in correctional facilities

§ 120. Custody and supervision of persons in correctional facilities. 1. Except as provided in subdivisions two, three and four of this section, the duty of maintaining the custody and supervision of persons detained or confined in a correctional facility as defined in subdivision four of section two of this chapter, including a drug treatment campus as defined in subdivision twenty of section two of this chapter, or a local correctional facility as defined in subdivision sixteen of section two of this chapter shall be performed solely by police officers designated in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (g), (j) or (m) of subdivision thirty-four of section 1.20 of the criminal procedure law or peace officers designated in subdivision twenty-five of section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law, which persons, whether employed full-time or part-time, shall be in the competitive, non-competitive or exempt class of the civil service of New York state as determined by state law or by the state or applicable local civil service commission. 2. Nothing in this section shall limit in any way the authority of the commissioner, or any county or the city of New York, to enter into any contract authorized by subdivision eighteen of section two, section seventy-two-a, section seventy-three, section ninety-five, article five-A or article twenty-six of this chapter, or to limit the responsibility of the department of corrections and community supervision to supervise incarcerated individuals or persons released to community supervision while away from an institution pursuant to section seventy-two-a, section seventy-three or article twenty-six of this chapter or while confined at a drug treatment campus as defined in subdivision twenty of section two of this chapter. 3. Subdivision one of this section shall be inapplicable to any person who is or may be employed in a correctional facility as defined in subdivision four of section two of this chapter or a local correctional facility as defined in subdivision sixteen of section two of this chapter or who contracts or may contract to provide services at such a correctional facility, who, in either case, is (a) not a correction officer or deputy sheriff, and (b) does not have, as their primary job responsibility, the duty of maintaining the supervision of persons detained or confined in a correctional facility but who provides such supervision as a secondary, ancillary or incidental part of their primary employment responsibilities. An employee who meets the criteria provided by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subdivision may include, but not be limited to, food service, janitorial or maintenance staff of such a correctional facility or persons who provide health care, substance abuse treatment, counseling, religious, educational or vocational services at such a correctional facility. 4. Nothing in this section shall preclude an elected or appointed sheriff, the commissioner of correction of the city of New York, the commissioner of the Westchester county department of correction, or any other municipal official in the unclassified service, as determined by state law or by the state or applicable local civil service commission, from maintaining the custody and supervision of persons detained or confined in a local correctional facility as defined in subdivision sixteen of section two of this chapter. Provided further that nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or affect the existing authority of the mayor of the city of New York and the commissioner of the department of correction of the city of New York to appoint non-uniformed persons whose duties include overall security of the department of correction of the city of New York to positions of authority.

Source: official New York text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About New York § 120

What does New York Consolidated Laws § 120 cover?

Section 120 ("120Custody and supervision of persons in correctional facilities") is part of the New York Consolidated Laws, the codified statutory law of New York. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New York § 120?

A common citation format is "New York Consolidated Laws § 120" (New York). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New York law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New York official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New York attorney.

How does New York § 120 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New York can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New York.