The Buffalo Charter Revision Commission is taking significant steps to enhance police oversight in the city. With a history of budget overruns due to lawsuits stemming from police misconduct, the commission is proposing the creation of a Civilian Police Advisory Commission to advise on reforms and address community concerns.
This initiative comes in the wake of the state attorney general’s findings that several Buffalo police officers have engaged in patterns of misconduct. The proposed commission aims to gather complaints, inform city leadership, and recommend policy changes to improve policing practices.
Addressing Police Misconduct and Budget Overruns
Buffalo has consistently exceeded its budget for settling lawsuits related to police misconduct. Last year, the city allocated $4 million for such settlements but exceeded this budget by over $3 million. Just days into the new fiscal year, the city has already spent $80,000 on new settlements. These financial strains highlight the urgent need for improved oversight and accountability within the police department.
The state attorney general’s report identified six Buffalo police officers with patterns of misconduct and four others with noted issues. This report underscores the necessity for external oversight to ensure that police practices align with community expectations and legal standards.
The Role of the Civilian Police Advisory Commission
The proposed Civilian Police Advisory Commission would not have the power to discipline officers or subpoena records. However, it would play a crucial role in gathering complaints from residents, meeting with city and police leadership, and recommending reforms. The commission would be empowered to request files and records from the police department, review policies and budgets, and receive notices of claims and settlements.
The commission would consist of 11 city residents and one non-voting teenager aged 16 to 18. The mayor, common council president, and city comptroller would appoint the initial members, with the commission itself choosing future members. This diverse composition aims to ensure that the commission represents the broader community and brings varied perspectives to the table.
Community Involvement and Transparency
The commission would meet at least eight times a year, with all meetings open to the public. It would also publish an annual report addressing police-community relations, claims and settlements, and areas for improvement. This commitment to transparency and community involvement is designed to build trust and ensure that the commission’s work is accessible to all residents.
Charter Commission member Caitlin Love Crowell emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We entrust [the police] with a lot of money, and a lot of power. But we don’t see that happening: We are not seeing discernibly trustworthy internal oversight. And we, the residents of Buffalo, deserve an accountable police force.”
Not all charter commission members are enthusiastic about the proposal. Peter Reese, an attorney and commission member, criticized the commission’s lack of power, stating, “This is a discussion group. It’s lots of words, it does nothing.” Despite this criticism, the commission is moving forward with the proposal, aiming to place it on the ballot for a referendum vote in November.
The Buffalo Charter Revision Commission is also exploring other reforms, including electoral changes and budget process improvements. These initiatives reflect the commission’s broader efforts to address systemic issues and enhance governance in the city. As Chairman Lawrence Rubin noted, “We were dealt a bad hand: too little time, too little resources. But election reforms, budget reforms, community policing concerns — we are continuing to have those issues in front and center.”
