New York Consolidated Laws, Executive Law - EXC § 846-b. Definitions

1. “Commissioner” shall mean the commissioner of the division of criminal justice services.

2. “Division” shall mean the division of criminal justice services.

3. “Municipality” shall mean any city, town or village, incorporated or unincorporated, within the state of New York.

4. “Company” shall mean any organization, incorporated or unincorporated, organized exclusively for a purpose or purposes, not for pecuniary profit or financial gain and no part of the assets, income or profit of which is distributable to, or inures to the benefit of, its members, directors (or their equivalent) or officers except to the extent permitted by law, and which is engaged in one or more of the company activities specified in subdivision five of this section.

5. “Company activities” shall mean activities of neighborhood preservation crime prevention, geared towards the heightened awareness and practice of community members in techniques stressing the reduction of opportunities for crimes to occur and the increased possibility of police apprehension of criminals.  Company activities should also seek to develop and strengthen a sense of neighborhood identity and a constructive attitude in that neighborhood.  Activities may include, but not be limited to, tenant-lobby patrols, auto patrols, street-foot patrols, home and business security surveys, and dispersal of crime prevention literature and equipment;  provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall be interpreted to authorize the possession, carrying, use or dissemination of firearms or other deadly weapons regardless of whether the appropriate license has been issued for such activity.  Activities may also include the involvement of senior citizens and youth in escort services, auxiliary police services and the utilization of community outreach through publicity of approved anti-crime techniques.  All activities must have prior approval from the division.