Buffalo Special Police
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Buffalo Special Police
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Below are some of the most common questions that we are asked. If you have a question that is not listed, or if you would like further explanation, please click on the
Who are the Buffalo Special Police? We are a dedicated group of men and women from Western New York that are investing our own time and money to improve the quality of life in and around the City of Buffalo, and to make it a safer place to live, work and play. No! Many people use the term "cop" to mean any law enforcement officer, public or private, and in that respect, we are cops. But we are not police officers. We are in the process of becoming recognized as peace officers. In order to fulfill our mission, we need this authority vested in us by the City of Buffalo. Please help us to help you, your friends, family and neighbors, and the City of Buffalo by contacting the Mayor's office and your Councilperson to voice your support. At one time, New York State Criminal Procedure Law did not distinguish the difference between Police Officer and Peace Officer status. In 1976, as a result of confusion as to the authority vested in each, the law-revision commission was established. The purpose of this commission was to examine and determine what authority each specialized title was required to have in order to fulfill their particular duties. The commission further defined their powers and required that each group receive certain training. The ultimate result was the passage of the 1980 Unified Peace Officer bill, outlined under Sections 2.10 (Persons designated as Peace Officers), 2.20 (Powers of Peace Officers) and 2.30 (Training Requirements) of the Criminal Procedure Law. The passage of the Unified Peace Officer bill made a distinct separation of the powers of and the training for Peace Officers. We adhere to the guidelines that regulate Peace Officers. What kind of training do you receive? The law mandates that each Peace Officer receive at least 82 hours of training, including 47 hours of police firearms training. Recognizing the need for complete and consistent training, Chief LaPlante, in conjunction with his executive staff, has enacted policy to ensure that all patrol officers meet this "Standard of Uniformity" by requiring that each officer must successfully complete the Basic Course for Peace Officers with Firearms. In addition, each patrol officer is also required to successfully complete the Weapons Other Than Firearms - Baton and Aerosol Subject Restraint - O.C. Spray courses. Each Buffalo Special Police Officer is required to successfully complete the Basic Course for Peace Officers, With Firearms. This 120-hour curriculum far exceeds the minimum standards set forth by New York State, and includes such topics as: Powers of a Peace Officer, Accusatory Instruments, Penal Law Offenses, Report Writing, Laws of Arrest, Decision Making and Conflict Resolution, Police Ethics, Preliminary Investigations, Crime Scene Preservation, Eyewitness Identification, Miranda Warnings, Interview and Interrogation Techniques, Statements and Confessions, Agency Arrest and Custody Procedures, Firearms, Article 35 - Justification of Use of Force and Deadly Physical Force, Defensive Tactics, Drug Awareness, Court Structure, Court Testimony, Constitutional Law, Search and Seizure, Civil Law, Community First Aid, and CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillation). Is being a Buffalo Special Police officer dangerous? All law enforcement officers have an element of danger to their jobs, and ours is no different. We are dealing with the public in the most personal (and potentially most dangerous) way - face to face. Why are you patrolling the streets of Buffalo? Our job - and our goal - is to assist the Buffalo Police Department by being an extra set of "eyes and ears" in the deterrence, detection and reporting of suspicious and criminal activity. Are you replacing police officers? Absolutely not! We are there to assist only. In fact, we hope to help the BPD identify areas where more police officers may be needed and justified, thereby aiding their cause to increase the size of the police force, yet remain cost-effective. What should I do if approached by an officer? Whenever you are approached by any law enforcement officer, you should follow some basic steps:
Why would an officer approach me? There are many reasons that you may be approached, but the most likely one is simply to say hello, introduce ourselves, and see how you are doing. Our primary purpose is to provide positive interaction with the community. What are the requirements to join? The basic requirements are that you be a citizen of the United States of America, a resident of the State of New York, possess either a high school diploma or a G.E.D. (General Equivalency Diploma), in reasonably good health, have a valid New York State driver's license, hold a New York State pistol permit, have never been convicted of a felony, and be of good moral character. Go to our Administrative Division page and download an application, or call our headquarters at (716) 882-0607 and ask to speak to a recruiting officer. If no one is available, leave your name (please SPELL your last name out), telephone number, the best time to call you, and a brief message indicating your interest in joining. Your call will be returned as soon as possible, but please understand that it may take a day or two. Example: Hello. This is John Smith, S M I T H, and I can be reached at 555-1212 between 6 and 9 PM. I am interested in joining the Buffalo Special Police. Our organization is completely 100% volunteer, and our officers pay for everything themselves, through an annual membership fee program. This includes all outside training, uniforms, weapons, etc. Donations are always needed and appreciated, to help defray basic costs such as rent, utilities, equipment, and office supplies.
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