Amherst Police decry budget cuts

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo biggest suburb is known as one of the safest towns in America. But there are concerns cutbacks to the Amherst Police could put the community's safety in jeopardy.

Officers are fighting proposed cuts by the town supervisor, arguing calls for service have increased 16 percent during the last five years.

Officer Thomas Barillari said, "The nature of the calls have been more intense."

Amherst Town Supervisor Dr. Barry Weinstein has proposed a 43 percent cutback on Amherst Police cars and cuts police say would amount to a freeze in hiring. Why the belt tightening?

"The pension costs for police is in excess of $5 million. It's up $900,000," Dr. Weinstein explained.

Assistant Police Chief Charles Cohen responded, "If there's fewer officers and fewer vehicles, you can do the math. There's an element of risk."

"Unfortunately, if the supervisor's budget passes, residents are going to see less police cars in their neighborhood," added Amherst Town Councilman Mark Manna.

While an Amherst Police study shows a rise in the number of larcenies and robberies, officers say their staffing level has remained the same since 1979. Below, they say, the national average for a town of the size of Amherst.

Police say new housing developments, like one for University at Buffalo students, and new residential and commercial developments have led to an increase in calls for service.

"In the last 90 days, there's been over 100 calls for service at Walmart at Sheridan and Bailey," said Officer Barillari.

Dr. Weinstein says three or four police cars that may be getting up in miles could last another year. And that the police department staffing level has been as low as 143 officers. He says he has to hold the line for taxpayers.

"Police always cite public safety any time anyone wants to cut a nickel out of their budget," Dr. Weinstein said. "Of course it's safe."