Buffalo Police Facing Patrol Car Shortage

The president of the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association describes the situation as "dire."

According to a report by the Investigative Post, "There aren’t enough cars for the patrol officers to patrol the streets and get to the calls," says John Evans, PBA president.

The report states that Buffalo patrol cars have been replaced at half the rate requested by the police.

In addition to having fewer cars on the road and available for calls, there is another repercussion. The Investigative Post reports:

"It will take younger officers longer to rack up on-the-job experience, because working patrol cars are doled out on the basis of seniority. If there aren’t enough cars to go around, it’s likely that the newest officers — the ones who need experience most — will spend a good portion of their shifts behind a desk."

WHEC reports that eight new cars are to be deployed this week, with 14 more ordered for the year.