BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown announced Wednesday Duty to Intervene legislation, also known as "Cariol's Law," was signed into law.
The law reiterates "a Buffalo Police Officer’s responsibility to intervene in a situation where they believe another officer is acting inappropriately or jeopardizing another person’s safety or well being."
According to the mayor's office, the Buffalo Police Department has had a Duty to Intervene policy in its manual of procedures since June of 2019, but by signing this legislation the mayor is restating the importance of it.
Mayor Brown released a statement that said in part:
“In a society governed by laws it is vital that everyone understands that no one is above the law, not even police officers. The Duty to Intervene requirement, mandated by the Department’s Manual of Procedures as well as provisions of state and federal law, is now being further reinforced as a fundamental principle to our City’s approach to police reform as well as improving the public’s level of trust in and understanding of how the Buffalo Police Department functions. Along with the other steps—especially the Buffalo Reform Agenda—my Administration and the Council have taken to improve the delivery of Police services in the City of Buffalo, this law will re-emphasize that every officer’s first duty is, and always should be, the protection of the people they serve.”
The Buffalo Common Council passed “Cariol’s Law: The Duty to Intervene” on September 29, The Buffalo Police Department fired Cariol Horne in 2008. Horne said she was fired after intervening when she says an officer put a man in a chokehold in 2006.
Cariol Horne released a statement which said in part:
"With Cariol’s Law, officers will no longer be able to stand by and watch or participate in police brutality, officers who intervene will be protected and our community can begin to rebuild the trust that has been stolen from us by the hands of those who make the oath to serve and protect."
