Mayor Walsh and Chief Buckner Deploy Special Details for Quality of Life Infractions

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Police Chief Kenton Buckner announced special police details and enforcement actions going after crimes that are impacting safety and quality of life in neighborhoods: fireworks, street racing, dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

“The return of warmer weather is bringing back behaviors that make our streets unsafe and create disturbances to quality of life,” said Mayor Walsh. “Illegal fireworks, street racing, dirt bikes and ATVs are dangerous and create noise that makes it impossible for others to enjoy the spring and summer seasons. We’re putting additional enforcement in place now so the offenders get the message: this unsafe and inconsiderate behavior won’t be tolerated.”

Chief Buckner assigned three quality of life details:

• The first Dirt Bike/ATV detail was launched in late March and has issued 33 tickets and towed ten vehicles.
• The first street racing specific detail was launched in late March and has been working in collaboration with the New York State Police, Onondaga County Sherriff’s Office, and DeWitt Police Department.
• Special fireworks enforcement will begin a crackdown on sellers and users of illegal fireworks in the coming weeks. SPD is also coordinating with New York State Police.

Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 when they see illegal fireworks, street racing, dirt bikes and ATVs. Tips on where illegal fireworks are being sold or where dirt bikes and ATVs are being stored can be called in anonymously at (315) 442-5111 or reported on the “Syracuse PD” Tip 411 app.

“The Syracuse Police Department is committed to making our streets safe and free of these disturbances,” Buckner said. “With the community’s cooperation, we can have a more peaceful spring and summer for everyone.”