BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — On the corner of Block and Theodore Streets, the Buffalo Police Department listened to the concerns of the community all day over some hot dogs.
"We’re listening and we will work with the community to make this issue of safety a priority for the city," said Mayor Byron Brown.
Dozens came out to share their thoughts at this community cookout.
"We want peace on Peace Street, on Theodore, on Block, everywhere, you know? We can't change the world, but we can change what's right here," said community member Zahir Lewis.
"Our community’s getting large and we need more police protection for our kids, our little sisters, our siblings," said community member Riff Islam.
Police chose this area in the East Side because of a recent up-tick in crime.
"Over the last couple of weeks, there's been some issues out here as far as shots fired and other crime and I just wanted to let people know that we're not forgetting about any neighborhood," said Commissioner Byron Lockwood.
BPD is also making an effort to strengthen the relationship between officers and the community, according to Commissioner Lockwood.
"I think we've made some strides here, I'm not going to say it's the greatest, but we're making strides," said Commissioner Lockwood.
The department will also continue to engage in community policing.
"We're going to step up our patrol in this area, to make sure that this isn't just a one day event," said Commissioner Lockwood.
Block President Tillman Ward welcomes this.
"The presence is very much needed...I'd like to see, personally, a more unified community," said Ward.
BPD will continue taking their offices to the streets and holding events like this one throughout the summer.
