Board approves budget that may cut PD

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - One of the safest towns in America has approved a budget that could cut funding to their police department.

The Amherst Town Board approved the new budget four to two, during a meeting Monday night.

Officers have expressed concern that the now-approved budget would limit the department’s ability to buy new police cruisers. Earlier this month at a town hearing, the cuts drew little protest from town residents.

How does the staffing levels in Amherst compare to other jurisdictions? Per 1,000 residents, Amherst has 1.3 police officers. Cheektowaga had the same amount, Orchard Park had one officer per 1,000, while Buffalo had three per 1,000.