Buffalo PBA

09/14/2021

Thank you everyone that came out to support Mayor Brown. There has never been an easier choice for Mayor !!! For the city and entire region, vote Byron Brown !!!

08/31/2021

Buffalo firefighters, police honored for brave caught-on-camera moment

Congratulations Officer Becker, Officer McLean and Officer Flockemer on this recognition! This is just one example of the hard work and dedication our men and women in blue exhibit every day on the job.

It was 11:21 Sunday morning when Buffalo Police Officer William Flockemer pulls up to a fire on Sidney Street in Buffalo.

08/26/2021

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Detective Paul Fitzpatrick, Jr. He was a dedicated member of the Buffalo Police Department who served his community with honor for more than 13 years.

This past year has been challenging for all of us, especially the men and women of the Buffalo Police Department. During this time of immense grief, we hope the community can come together to honor this fallen hero and the men and women who keep us safe.

08/16/2021

Buffalo remains in the throes of swelling gun violence, with shootings up 61%

Bail reform and poor policy decisions are continuing to impact the safety of our city.

Buffalo's 49 homicides over the first seven months of the year already eclipse the city's annual total in six of the last 10 years.

07/30/2021

Buffalo PD spokesman set to retire, encouraged police transparency

Thank you for your service, Captain Jeff Rinaldo. On behalf of the Buffalo PBA, we wish you all the best on your retirement!

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The face of the Buffalo Police Department is turning in his badge. After six years as police spokesman Captain jeff Rinaldo is retiring this week. After 23 years on the…

07/29/2021

Time to reform New York's Bail Reform Law | Lancaster Depew Bee

“While gun-related crime has increased across the country, the numbers in New York are trending much higher and we cannot ignore the negative impact of bail reform.”

Today’s Lancaster/Depew Bee features an opinion piece by New York State Senator Patrick Gallivan about reforming New York’s bail reform law.

On Jan. 1, 2020, significant changes to New York's criminal justice system, including the elimination of cash bail and pre-trial detention for most criminal offenses, took effect. Under legislati

07/27/2021

Chicago police superintendent blames gun violence on courts releasing violent offenders | CNN

Bail reform and poor policy decisions are continuing to impact the safety of our city and cities across the country.

Chicago's police superintendent Monday blamed the court system for another spate of deadly weekend shootings in the city, saying judges are releasing violent offenders to Chicago's detriment.

07/19/2021

Auto thefts up 90% in Erie and Niagara Counties

With vehicle thefts continuing to increase, please remember to lock your car, do not leave your keys in the car, and do not leave the car running if you are not in the vehicle.

The New York DMV is warning you to keep your doors locked and not leave the keys in the ignition while keeping it running as more car thefts are reported. Thefts are up 81 percent in WNY, 90 percent in Erie and Niagara Counties.

07/17/2021

Our thoughts are with Chief Sliwinski’s family, friends and the men and women of the Cheektowaga Police Department.

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our Chief of Police, Michael J Sliwinski. Chief Sliwinski became suddenly ill and passed away earlier today. Our heavy hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this time of grieving.

07/09/2021

As Officer Negron is released from ECMC, we wish him all the best on his continued recovery.

07/04/2021

Happy Fourth of July! Thank you to our officers who are working to keep us safe this holiday weekend.

Happy Fourth of July! Thank you to our officers who are working to keep us safe this holiday weekend.

07/02/2021

Watch now: First six months of 2021 in Buffalo more than twice as deadly than average

Bail reform and poor policy decisions are continuing to drive a perception of no accountability among those who are committing these violent crimes.

07/01/2021

US police 'very nervous' about officer-initiated enforcement as gun violence soars

"In New York City, lawmakers have decriminalized quality-of-life offenses, restricted the use of 'proactive' policing tactics and effectively ended the prosecution of many low-level crimes," said Patrick Lynch, president of NYC Police Benevolent Association.

As American cities confront a rise in gun violence ahead of an expected summertime crime surge, concerns about a retreat in proactive policing are mounting across the country amid a debate over brutality and systemic racism that followed the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

06/30/2021

Car thefts continue to skyrocket in Buffalo

Of the 296 people arrested on car theft charges, 69 of them – just shy of a quarter of all the suspects – were under 17 years old. Several have been arrested multiple times.

The number of cars reported stolen in the City of Buffalo over the last year and half has risen dramatically.

06/29/2021

The Editorial Board: Increase in violent crime shows the need to maintain able and accountable police

Today’s The Buffalo News editorial, “Buffalo can’t afford to weaken its police force at a time when violent crime on the streets puts our safety at risk.”

The surge in homicides and gun violence this year, in Buffalo and in cities across the country, sends a clear message: We need police. The men and women who sign

06/28/2021

Three found killed in house, four wounded in park within 10 hours in Buffalo

As shootings continue to increase in our community, there is a perception of no accountability among those who are committing these violent crimes in part due to bail reform and poor public policy decisions.

The three homicides on Ashley bring the city's total for the year so far to 44 victims. Over the last decade, Buffalo has averaged 50 homicides per year.

06/25/2021

Another Voice: Attorney general’s ‘reforms’ are an attack on police

Thomas Mungeer, president of the New York State Troopers PBA authors a piece on police reform that appeared in The Buffalo News earlier this week.

"We strongly urge lawmakers to oppose the attorney general’s proposed 'police accountability' legislation and to put safety before politics," writes Thomas Mungeer.

06/24/2021

Buffalo Police Union expresses opposition to India Walton’s police reform agenda

Buffalo Police Union expresses opposition to India Walton’s police reform agenda

Many of the proposals being put forth by the likely next Mayor of Buffalo are being called impractical or illegal by the union representing officers.

06/23/2021

Congratulations John Garcia for Erie County Sheriff and thank you to all who voted in yesterday’s Republican primary!

To my family and friends, supporters and colleagues in law enforcement - thank you! With your votes today and your support and encouragement this primary season, you have shown how important professional, ethical law enforcement is to the people of Erie County. I look forward to continuing as the Republican candidate for Erie County Sheriff and making the case to all the residents of Erie County that I am the most Proven and Trusted Protector to serve as your Sheriff.

06/22/2021

Primary Election Day is today. It’s been an extremely challenging year for those in law enforcement, especially the members of the Buffalo PBA. We remind our Republican members, family and friends to vote for our endorsed candidate John Garcia for Erie County Sheriff in the Republican Primary. For our Democratic members, family and friends who live in the city, we hope that all remember to get out and vote for Mayor Brown.

Both of these elections are critically important to the future of law enforcement in Buffalo and Erie County so please remember to get out and vote!

06/21/2021

Primary Day is tomorrow. The Buffalo PBA has endorsed John Garcia for Erie County Sheriff. Garcia served in the Buffalo Police Department from 1994 until 2019 and understands the pressures and complexities of the job. To our Republican members and friends and family, please get out and vote. https://garcia4sheriff.com/

Primary Day is tomorrow. The Buffalo PBA has endorsed John Garcia for Erie County Sheriff. Garcia served in the Buffalo Police Department from 1994 until 2019 and understands the pressures and complexities of the job. To our Republican members and friends and family, please get out and vote. https://garcia4sheriff.com/

06/18/2021

Here is another perspective from a neighboring law enforcement leader. It is a common sentiment being expressed by law enforcement officials and agencies from across New York State. Enough is enough!

As the Sheriff of Niagara County I have to sound the alarm on dangerous criminal justice reforms which are being supported by the majority of the New York State Legislature. There seems to be no end in sight, nor any peak to the mountain of bills they are proposing which do nothing to make our community any safer. Each bill is aimed at providing criminals with more rights and leaving our law abiding citizens vulnerable. Our downstate majority in the legislature is pushing through bill after bill which helps the criminal element of our society flourish. We are seeing the results of these failed policies right here in our own county as evidenced by the rising violent crime rates.
Bail reform has created a catch and release system which leads to offenders feeling emboldened to commit additional crimes. There have to be consequences for ones actions. I am not against bail reform in concept. I am against letting dangerous criminals out with no bail or extremely low bail so they can be free to victimize our citizens. Judges need to be given back their discretion to detain individuals deemed to be a public safety risk.
There is newly proposed legislation called the Police Accountability Act which will set new standards on police use of force that are neither reasonable nor functionally possible. If police officers have to review check boxes before you can act in these situations, I can guarantee that officers will get hurt. Police officers use force to effect an arrest in very rare cases. And every time that force is used, it is because someone is actively resisting a lawful order.
There is also discussion regarding removing qualified immunity for police officers. If you are not aware, qualified immunity protects police officers from personal liability unless they have violated a clearly established constitutional right. The common misconception is that qualified immunity always relieves police from liability for misconduct. That is absolutely not the case and police officers can be held liable when they are found to have violated a person’s rights. I can tell you that if the Police Accountability Act or the bill removing qualified immunity get passed you will see police shutting down or retiring. If you think there is a crime problem now, wait until the police are handcuffed even further by these criminal-friendly bills.
The law abiding citizens of Niagara County need to speak out against these misguided pieces of legislation. Criminals need to be held accountable and police officers need to be able to do their jobs. In Niagara County I believe we are working with our citizens to police the community together. Thank you for your continued support of law enforcement.

UPDATE: Many of you have asked how to spread the word or message on this issue. This will have to be a grass roots effort led by the community. Sharing on social media, letters to the local press and asking family or friends in other parts of New York State to do the same. Our local state delegation is very supportive of law enforcement so we need to get passed our Niagara County borders. I truly appreciate any assistance you can give in getting the word out.

06/17/2021

'Lawn Kid' mowing 50 yards for 50 veterans to honor his grandfather

Great story on one of the Buffalo Police Explorers.

Nathan Adams lost his grandfather Fred, an Army veteran, in February. It's part of his way to honor his papa's memory.

06/15/2021

Allentown shooting suspect was out on bail for another gun case

Another example of how bail reform is impacting the safety of our community.

Tysheim R. Evans, 27, who turned himself into police on Monday was out on bail on a separate pending criminal case that also involved an illegal handgun.

06/14/2021

Injured BPD Officer Jonathan Negron is awake from medically induced coma

Some promising news to share this Monday! Our thoughts are with Office Negron and his family as his recovery continues.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo Police Officer Jonathan Negron, who was severely injured a week and a half ago, is now awake and alert. We’re told Officer Negron is alert, breathing on h…

06/11/2021

Thankfully a great deal of proposed state legislation that we strongly opposed did not become law!!! Next step, vote NO to the redistricting referendum in November!! You’ll have to flip your ballot over to do so. Let voters have a choice !!!

06/11/2021

BPD Lt. Liz Baker helps aspiring officer Soie Rosario get her permit

Earlier this week, Spectrum News 1 Buffalo shared a story about Lt. Liz Baker, head of K-9 Corps.

A car ride appropriately started this story.

06/10/2021

Buffalo police union president reacts to injuries in the line of duty

Buffalo police union president reacts to injuries in the line of duty

Several officers have been hurt while on the job.

06/09/2021

Six Buffalo police officers injured in pursuit of stolen car

Six officers suffered minor injuries. The driver, who was later apprehended, had three prior arrests in the last three months for stolen vehicles. This is further evidence of the failure of bail reform and the danger it poses to our officers and to the public.

Six Buffalo police officers were injured late Monday night in a series of events that began with an attempt to stop a stolen vehicle in a gas station station parking

06/05/2021

“Sad and dismal” situation at ECMC as police wait for update on injured officer

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Officer Negron, his family, and our entire force. The staff at ECMC has been tremendous and we thank the entire community for your ongoing support.

Officer Jonathan Negron was in critical but stable condition at ECMC Friday morning, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said.

06/03/2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Jonathan Negron tonight after he was seriously injured while on duty earlier today. Thank you to those officers who came to Officer Negron’s aid for your heroic actions.

06/01/2021

Keep New Yorkers Safe!- NO on S.6615

Please click on the link below to tell our New York State elected officials to vote NO on Senate Bill 6615, which will severely restrict the circumstances in which a police officer is able to use physical force. This bill would make it a crime for law enforcement to use lethal force when trying to arrest an individual who has committed murder, forcible r**e, forcible criminal s*xual acts, or even to stop a kidnapping from happening.

If your child was being taken, kidnapped, and pulled into a van by a s*x trafficker, would you authorize the use of deadly force to stop them? Some Bureaucrats and Politicians in Albany would...

05/31/2021

We remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country.

We remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country.

05/26/2021

Officers recently responded to a 911 call for a burglary where employees of the shop had cornered an individual trying to steal the store’s safe. The entire incident was caught on the store’s security camera. Because the individual hadn’t stolen anything, was charged with criminal trespass, issued an appearance ticket on scene and released. The individual was on parole for burglary, but because of the time of the incident, officers were unable to reach the parole officer. Individual went on to commit additional burglaries of local businesses before being apprehended and finally remanded to custody. Another example of how officers are dealing with repeat offenders with no incentive not to continue committing crimes.