ABOUT
Breadcrumb
Chief Brian Patterson
The NFTA Transit Police Department is responsible for patrolling and securing the NFTA’s bus and rail system including tracks, yards, shops, stations as well as in and around the Buffalo Niagara and Niagara Falls International Airports. We have 85 sworn officers and civilians who cover various regions in both Erie and Niagara Counties. We also have a detective unit as part of our work force.
We are honored to serve and protect all who use the NFTA’s public transportation system and airports. We strive for a strong relationship with the public to keep our community safe, as we carry out our mission with dedication and professionalism. The department was founded in 1984 and has grown over the years into a regionally-recognized police department. We are committed to continuing education for our officers and providing them with training to ensure the best service for the community.
Goals & Objectives
Goals
- Develop a working relationship with other law enforcement agencies, the patrons of our transportation system, the Buffalo Niagara business community and the Buffalo Board of Education
- Work with other local agencies to evaluate and update the response to large-scale emergencies through disaster planning and incident command procedures
- Identify and minimize crime in police department's jurisdiction through collaborative problem solving efforts
- Develop new ways to involve the police department in the community
- Increase training, staff capabilities and promote professionalism
- Continue to review and update policies and procedures to keep pace with legal issues and changes
- Update an awards program for the Transit Police Department in order to provide recognition for our officers
Objectives
- To train all Transit Police Officers in the Community Law Enforcement Interaction Program
- To minimize crime and create a safer atmosphere for the the traveling public by educating the community and deploying work force as needed
- To incorporate all Transit Police Officers in collaborative problem solving strategies by disseminating Community Policing training methods through our assigned Community Policing Division
- To create an intelligence network between the Transit Police and other area law enforcement agencies. This objective will include the prosecution of criminals
- Use a proactive approach to crime, which emphasizes public safety and prevention