U.S. Attorney, Law Enforcement, Community Groups to Convene Forum Seeking Public's Help Against East Side Crime

BUFFALO, N.Y.—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today the convening of a public forum to address violent crime on the East Side of Buffalo.  The forum – dubbed “Take Back our Streets” – will share information about crime in East Side neighborhoods and seek information about who is committing it.

“Because of the partnership among all levels of law enforcement, residents have seen many successes in fighting crime across the region,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “But as long as even one person lives in fear of property or personal harm, law enforcement will not rest.  From experience, the best way to remove those who would hurt others is for residents to speak out. This forum will be an opportunity for those on the East Side of Buffalo who have seen something to say something.”  

One of the recent successes of law enforcement was the successful prosecution of 44 members of the 10th Street Gang.  Assisted by community participation, this prosecution contributed to the revival of the West Side of Buffalo.

The Take Back our Streets - East Side Community Forum will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at the Frederick Law Olmsted School at 319 Suffolk St. in Buffalo. Residents will be able to share their specific concerns about crime on their streets and information in a safe and anonymous setting. ALL information will remain strictly confidential.

In addition to meeting with U.S. Attorney Hochul, residents will meet the leaders of other federal agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service. Representatives of the Buffalo Police Department, New York State Police and Erie County Sheriff’s Department will also be in attendance.  Members of the Buffalo Peacemakers Organization, area clergy, elected officials, and the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will also be present.

U.S. Attorney Hochul is asking for the media’s assistance in helping to spread the word about this important forum. He is available for interviews today regarding these efforts. For more information, please contact Barbara Burns at 716-843-5817.