BPD officials outline post‑2020 policy changes, say general orders will be provided to council

Committee members asked the Buffalo Police Department on Oct. 8 to list policy reforms implemented since the 2020 Police Reform & Reinvention Collaborative and to describe how the department measures effectiveness.

The department said it has revised multiple policies, including its use‑of‑force directive, pursuit policy and appearance ticket practices; it emphasized de‑escalation and said the use‑of‑force training breaks force into categories such as passive resistance and deadly physical resistance to guide proportional responses. The department also cited its foot‑patrol or “walking unit” as part of community policing efforts.

Why it matters: Council members said they need a written record to evaluate whether reforms have improved community trust and accountability. The committee requested a compilation of general orders and documentation of internal measures of effectiveness.

What the department committed to provide - A list of general orders and policy changes from 2020 to present, with dates and summaries. BPD officials said general orders are distributed electronically and officers acknowledge receipt. - Documentation on how reforms are evaluated, including body‑worn camera audits, progressive discipline for noncompliance (for example, suspension for repeated body‑camera violations) and community feedback from foot‑patrol units.

Committee action: The committee moved to table the item pending delivery of a compiled packet of general orders, descriptions of reforms, and any internal evaluations BPD can share. Council members asked for the materials in advance of the next oversight meeting so they can evaluate implementation and community impact.

Speakers quoted in this article are identified in the meeting minutes and included in the speaker list below.