New Joint Patrols in University Heights Have Begun

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Officers from the Buffalo Police Department, University at Buffalo and Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority have begun new joint patrols along Main Street in Buffalo in a collaborative effort to continue improving safety and quality of life in University Heights.

The joint patrols will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. They will include patrols on bikes and Segway Personal Transporters purchased by UB. UB also has purchased two new security cameras for the Buffalo Police Department, installed on Main Street at the corners of Englewood and LaSalle avenues. The new cameras are in addition to the three cameras purchased by UB for the Buffalo Police Department in the fall of 2008.

UB has spent more than $200,000 on the security measures in University Heights over the past two years, as part of its collaboration with the City of Buffalo. On UB's South Campus, 76 new security cameras, monitored by UB Police, and 19 new emergency blue light systems have been installed over the past year, in addition to extensive new exterior lighting installed throughout the campus.

"These new initiatives demonstrate the seriousness of the city's and the university's commitment to reducing crime and enhancing quality of life in our community," said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.

Bike and Segway patrols permit officers to be highly visible and are effective in patrolling defined areas with large groups of people, Brown noted.

As part of the collaborative effort, the Buffalo Police Department will increase the presence of daily patrols in the neighborhood and will focus its Mobile Response Unit on pockets of criminal activity in the neighborhood, the mayor said.

Dennis Black, UB vice president of student affairs, said the joint patrols and new security cameras are the latest examples of UB's continued commitment to improving safety and quality of life in the neighborhood that borders UB's South (Main Street) Campus, working in collaboration with the City of Buffalo and neighborhood residents.

"All residents, yearlong and through the academic year, seek safer neighborhoods through visibility, response and coordination," Black said. "The university is committed to this partnership and to quality of life on and near the campus."

Black noted that on Aug. 26, UB volunteers distributed information packets containing safety and good-neighbor tips to more than 2,700 homes in University Heights. On Sunday, Sept. 6, UB will hold a "Neighbor's Day Block Party and Safety Fair" on its South Campus for students and community members.