Developing a Partnership Between a University and a Police Department: The University at Buffalo School of Management and the Buffalo Police Department Partnership Project -- Executive Summary

The partnership between the University at Buffalo School of Management and the Buffalo Police Department (BPD) was intended to help the BPD build effective strategies for community policing. Benefits for the police department include connection to university resources, a neutral observer who lends credibility and provides an external perspective and a macro view of the organization, and assistance with evaluations and other projects. Benefits for the university include an opportunity to integrate its research, teaching, and public service missions; substantial projects and field experience for interns; additional research opportunities; more readily available data; and a better understanding of the context of research, leading to better research. The partnership has continued for 4 years and has expanded to other law enforcement agencies and communities in Erie County through a Regional Community Policing Center located at the University at Buffalo.