BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo police officers will wear name badges again.
Last year, Mayor Byron Brown announced officers would have badge numbers on their uniforms.
The move was made to prevent officers and their families from receiving threats if their personal information is posted online.
Spectrum News is told officers can take their name tag off during civil unrest, but their badge number still needs to be visible.
In a statement, Buffalo Police Benevolent Association President John Evans said the PBA had not received any notification related to potential changes to the current policy:
"Once again the men and women of the Buffalo Police Department have to learn about potential changes to a policy that could impact their safety, on and off the job, through the media rather than through the department’s top brass.
“The fact is that the Buffalo PBA has not received any notification related to potential changes in the current policy about wearing name badges on their uniforms. The department’s decision several months ago to remove name badges and revert to using badge numbers was due to officers and their families being physically threatened by protesters and members of fringe groups unsupportive of the men and women of the Buffalo Police.
“Unfortunately, the Mayor and police top brass are allowing themselves to be intimidated and placating to the interests of these fringe groups who have no desire to protect the men and women of the Buffalo Police and their families. And officers’ names are still currently provided on various items, including citations and appearance tickets provided to suspects. “
Regardless, when and if such a change in this or any policy is going to be further considered, the PBA should have a seat at the table with police brass and the administration to discuss it. In the meantime, the Police Commissioner should be more focused on how to better address the dramatic increase in crime in the city over the past year, including shootings and homicides.”
