CITY ANNOUNCES HERD ABOUT BUFFALO SECURITY PLAN
June 29, 2000
Contact: Peter K. Cutler (716) 851-4841

BUFFALO (6/29/00) - The Masiello Administration today announced a comprehensive security program designed to protect the fiberglass buffaloes that have been distributed throughout the city as part of the Herd About Buffalo campaign.

Working in collaboration with Buffalo Place Inc., the Buffalo Police Department has established a security program that will seek to prevent vandalism to the buffaloes, as well as establish fines and penalties for any individual or individuals responsible for damaging the public art works.

"These buffaloes are a symbol of pride for our community, and it's an affront to the entire city when they are damaged intentionally," stated Police Commissioner Rocco J. Diina. "This type of vandalism will not be tolerated. When we catch the individuals responsible for these crimes, they will not go unpunished."

Buffalo Place Director of Security Daniel Blank conducted extensive research on similar activities in other cities across the country, where public art displays like Herd About Buffalo have experienced various forms of vandalism. Working with Chief Harold Litwin of the Buffalo Police Department, Buffalo Place and the city have codified a security plan that will be established well before the projected citywide placement of 150 buffaloes is completed.

The plan will also apply to other public art displays and monuments throughout the city. The attached Security Program narrative describes the potential fines and penalties vandals can expect to face in the wake of any damage they may cause on any pieces of public art or monuments in the City of Buffalo.