The Buffalo Police Department is now the largest accredited city law enforcement agency in the state.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown called it a “historic achievement.”

"This significant professional achievement is a statement of acknowledgment that the Buffalo Police Department has done the hard work and implemented the policies and practices established by the Council in the areas of administration, training and operations," he said. "We hope this milestone gives residents and visitors a renewed sense of confidence in that the BPD is now in compliance with the 'gold standard of law enforcement' in New York State."

Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood and other department leaders received the recognition in Albany.

The city said some of the changes that have made a difference include community policing initiatives and the efforts toward equipping officers with tasers and body cameras.

The department has been working toward accreditation for at least a year.

“It gives a blueprint for how the department should be operated,” said Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo. “It’s a best practice concept for all of our policies and procedures, and how we manage the department as a whole.”

The accreditation was awarded by the State Department of Criminal Justice Services Accreditation Council.