- Assessor's Office
- Attorney's Office
- Building Department
- Central Fire Alarm
- Comptroller's Office
- Contract Compliance & Administration
- Councilmembers
- Department of Information Technology
- Economic Development
- Emergency Services & Safety
- Engineering Department
- Finance Department
- Highway Department
- Human Resources
- Office of the Supervisor
- Planning Department
- Police Department
- Senior Services
- Town Clerk
- Town Court
- Youth and Recreation Department
Function
The Patrol Division is the primary functional unit of the Amherst Police Department. Comprised of sixty-four uniformed officers, fifteen lieutenants and two captains, the men and women of the patrol division work to provide around-the-clock services to the 54 square miles of the Town of Amherst and the incorporated Village of Williamsville.
Basic Training
Officers begin their apprenticeship by attending a rigorous, twenty-three week police academy. Upon graduation they enter the department’s Field Training Officer (FTO) program, where for the next ten weeks, they learn how to become an “Amherst” Police Officer. This closely-supervised and highly-structured program allows the “rookie” to work alongside specially trained officers, who are selected not only for their competence, but also for their patience (and understanding). This has been highly successful, allowing the recruit’s skills to mature in an environment designed to be positive as well as pro-active. Following completion of the FTO program, the recruit is then deemed qualified to work alone. The probationary period, however, lasts until the completion of the Officer’s first year, and may be extended to ensure that competency is achieved in all areas.
Despite being the “entry” level position for newly-sworn officers, patrol work is nevertheless the most elemental, demanding, and essential work of police work. Patrol officers are usually the first officers the public comes into contact with. They represent the buffer between lawlessness and order and are indeed “the long blue line” upon which so much rests.
Only after first serving in the patrol division may an officer qualify for promotion to other units within the department. This initial period of service is the most gratifying, and the same time the most dangerous of police tasks. Because of this, many veteran officers never forget the days when they were “on patrol,” and many choose to serve in this capacity throughout their entire careers.
Training
As a New York State Accredited agency, the department is committed to the high standards set by its inclusion into this select membership. All sworn officers receive a minimum of 21 hours of training per year, which includes instruction in the Use of Force. In reality the typical officer receives far more than the minimum hours. One lieutenant, a certified police instructor, is assigned solely to the training and accreditation functions. Nine other members of the department, including one civilian dispatcher, are also certified instructors, giving the department a remarkably high ratio of instructors to officers.
Police Department
500 John James Audubon Pkwy
Amherst,
NY
14228
(716)
689-1311
24 Hours, 365 Days
Police Department
Police Divisions
Programs & Services
Other Information
Police Department
Chamberlin, Scott P.
Chief of Police
716-689-1311
Camilleri, Michael J.
Assistant Chief of Police
716-689-1311
Brown, Kevin C.
Captain - Investigative Services
716-689-1311
Huller, Gregg
Captain - Support Services Division
716-689-1311
Martin, Tracy S.
Captain - Patrol Division Day Platoon
716-689-1311
McFayden, Kari
Captain - Patrol Division Afternoon Platoon
716-689-1311
Meyer, Christopher T.
Captain - Administration Services
716-689-1311
Miller, John
Captain - Patrol Division Night Platoon
716-689-1311
Persons, Charles F.
Captain - Traffic Bureau
716-689-1311
Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt
Amherst Police Department invites the community to the Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt with egg hunts, games, prizes, child IDs, snacks, and more. Event will be held Saturday, April 12 at the Amherst Police Community Policing and Training Facility (4220 Bailey Ave). Egg Hunt Times: 10:15 AM – Ages 4 & Under; 11:15 AM – Ages 4-7; and 12:15 PM – Ages 8-11. Don't miss this egg-citing event!
Click to view document
Click for website link