We got the beat.

Buffalo is launching a pilot expansion of its foot and bicycle patrols today, focusing first in commercial districts and parks. Initially two additional officers on two shifts in each of five districts will be assigned to the program.

I’m glad to see the city utilize the additional manpower they’ve added to the police force in this way. Though arguably effective, some of the crime initiatives introduced by Mayor Brown run the risk of reinforcing perceptions of law enforcement as an adversarial presence. Surveillance cameras might have a net positive effect on crime rates, they put people in mind of “big brother”. Raids might be necessary, but people should see cops when they aren’t brandishing guns and kicking down doors.