BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Buffalo Police Department is now the largest city accredited law enforcement agency in New York State.
The department was awarded full accreditation from the state's Division of Criminal Justice Accreditation Council Thursday.
Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood joined other officers in Albany where they were presented with the award.
"Today, the Buffalo Police Department stands proud as the largest accredited law enforcement agency in New York State," said Mayor Brown. "This significant professional achievement is a statement of acknowledgement that the Buffalo Police Department has done the hard work and implemented the policies and practices established by the Council in the areas of administration, training and operations. We hope this milestone gives residents and visitors a renewed sense of confidence in that the BPD is now in compliance with the 'gold standard of law enforcement' in New York State. Achieving accreditation is another positive step forward, and builds on our continuing efforts to revolutionize community-based policing that will foster an even stronger guardian mindset of our police."
As part of the accreditation process, Buffalo highlighted recent efforts like moving the police and fire departments into their joint headquarters at the Michael J. Dillon Federal Courthouse, Continuing to enhance community policing initiatives and a continued commitment to change the makeup of the Buffalo Police Department by requiring new hires to live in the city.
