A new community policing initiative was rolled out in Buffalo Wednesday as part of the city's first Clean Sweep of 2018. Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood says the Buffalo Police Department Neighborhood Engagement Team, or BPD NET, will provide high visibility foot and mobile patrols in city neighnorhoods.
"I think it's important for us to go in there and to show them we're not always there to make arrests."
Part of that engagement will also include structured gatherings like neighborhood cookouts, Lockwood said. Officers assigned to BPD NET will also address property problems, and quality of life concerns. He says the Police Department will also be working closely with other departments including Community Service, Recreation, 3-1-1, Permits and Inspections, and the Mayor's Impact Team.