Buffalo NY Special Police

 2007

Since early summer, the Buffalo Special Police have been on patrol on the streets of Riverside and Black Rock, helping the Buffalo Police to crack down on “quality of life” crimes. Their presence can be seen on foot, bike, and car patrols along Tonawanda Street, Ontario Street, Niagara Street, Hertel Avenue, and Grant and Amherst Streets. The Buffalo Special Police have also been leading patrols through the three public housing projects in Black Rock and Riverside as well as patrols on some of the side streets where “quality of life” crimes have been occurring.

Officers with the Buffalo Special Police are often retired police officers, sheriffs deputies, and state police officers, who have gone through the State’s rigorous peace officer training regiment. This training is a 120 hour course that exceeds the standards set forth by New York State and includes 47 hours of firearms training. Also, unlike regular police officers, officers with the Buffalo Special Police must be recertified every year. Officers with the Special Police are deployed to a district at the request of their Common Councilmember.

Tonight, the Buffalo Special Police will be deploying an impact team in the North District to assist The Buffalo Police Department as eyes and ears for serious crimes, but also to deter vandalism and minor violations that may occur on Halloween. This team, which will consist of new recruits currently attending the Peace Officer Training Academy, will be involved in their first field training experience. Assistant Chief Dennis Brennan, Training Director for the Buffalo Special Police, will head the team. The impact team will patrol the entire North District per the request of Councilman Joseph Golombek.