Criminal Justice Task Force
Addressing systemic inequities in the criminal justice system through advocacy, education, and reform efforts across Western New York.
The MBAWNY Criminal Justice Task Force works alongside community stakeholders to provide impactful, common-sense recommendations for policing reforms across Western New York. Our work is grounded in the belief that a just and equitable legal system must be transparent, accountable, and responsive to the communities it serves.
From drafting groundbreaking legislation to building coalitions with partner organizations, our task force translates advocacy into action — producing real, measurable change in how policing operates in Buffalo and WNY.
Featured Initiative · Legislative Victory
MBAWNY's Criminal Justice Task Force and
the Enactment of the Right to Know Law
The MBAWNY Criminal Justice Task Force has worked with community stakeholders to provide impactful, common-sense recommendations for policing reforms. One of those reforms is the Right to Know Law, which has been enacted in New York City and Syracuse.
"The Right to Know Law that is now in effect is the most robust one in New York State."
Taking inspiration from these versions — as well as the demands and gains of activists — the MBAWNY Criminal Justice Task Force drafted the first version of the Right to Know Law for Buffalo and provided extensive input regarding the final version. Now that the law has been passed by the Common Council and signed by Mayor Brown, the Buffalo City Code and Charter has been amended to require police to:
Notice of Reason
Require police to provide the public with notice of the reasons behind their encounters with the Buffalo Police Department (BPD).
Recording of Interactions
Require police to record most interactions with civilians, creating accountability and an evidentiary record of police encounters.
Complaint Information
Provide information on how to file a complaint against BPD officers — making the process accessible and transparent to all residents.
Affirmative Consent for Searches
Require police to obtain affirmative consent for searches in most situations — a landmark protection for Buffalo residents.
KEY LEGISLATION
Right to Know Law — Buffalo
Drafted by MBAWNY Task Force. Passed by Common Council, signed by Mayor Brown. Most robust RTK law in NYS.
WHAT THE LAW CHANGED
Notice of encounter reason ✓
Complaint filing info required✓
Civilian interactions recorded✓
Affirmative consent for searches ✓
TASK FORCE DOCUMENTS
Our Task Force Members
14 dedicated attorneys and advocates who volunteered their expertise to draft and advocate for the Right to Know Law in Buffalo.
Stephanie Adams
Robert C. Bricato
John V. Elmore
J. Miles Gresham
De'Jon Hall
Leah Halton-Pope
Alexandra Harrington
Jennifer L. Leonardi
Natalia Marte
Ryan G. Pitman
Anna Marie Richmond
Linwood Roberts
Samantha I.V. White
