Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo Police Department will no longer seek 'no knock' search warrants from a judge unless there is a clear danger to the safety of the community or a police officer. The move to restrict 'no knock' warrants is the latest in a lengthy list of policing changes being rolled out as part of the Buffalo reform agenda.
"The disturbing death of Breonna Taylor is a demonstration of what can happen when too much latitude is granted to enter a persons' residence unannaounced and without sufficient cause," said Mayor Brown.
Only the courts have the ability to issue warrants that do not require law enforcement to announce their presence before entering a building. The Mayor's executive order instructs the Buffalo Police Department to make the policy change immediately and develop an application process for any 'no knock' warrants moving forward. Without the judicial approval, officers will be required to adhere to a 'knock and announce' policy and give individuals a reasonable amount of time to allow entry.