MAYOR BROWN APPOINTS CHIEF OF SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY

Source/Contact
Office of the Mayor
Peter K. Cutler
Director of Communications
716-851-4841

 

BUFFALO—Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced the appointment of Kevin J. Brinkworth to the new position of Chief of School Safety and Security in the Buffalo Police Department.

 

Currently a Lieutenant in the Buffalo Police Department, Brinkworth joined the Department in 1986, was appointed in 2001 as a Detective assigned to the Special Frauds Division and in 2003 was appointed Lieutenant. He is currently assigned to the Department’s C District.

 

“It is important that our children attend school in a safe, nurturing environment and the creation of this new position of Chief of School Safety and Security will further strengthen the Buffalo Public School District’s ability to ensure that type of environment – inside and outside of our city schools, “ said Mayor Brown. “Kevin Brinkworth has a distinguished career in the Buffalo Police Department and I am confident he will serve the City well in his new position as Chief of School Safety and Security.”

 

Police Commissioner H. McCarthy Gipson will swear Brinkworth into office as Chief of School Safety and Security.

 

“Kevin Brinkworth is an excellent police officer who has the educational and professional background that will enable him to serve the citizens of Buffalo, particularly our school children, well,” stated Commissioner Gipson. “This will be an important collaborative relationship between the City and the School District.”

 

“Providing a safe learning environment for children and staff has been one of my top priorities since joining the Buffalo Public School District,” stated James A. Williams, Superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools.  “The appointment of Kevin Brinkworth as Chief of School Safety and Security solidifies the current district security force and congeals a solid relationship with the Buffalo Police Department.”

 

The appointment of Brinkworth follows the October 27, 2006 amendment of the City Charter as recommended by Mayor Brown and approved by the Buffalo Common Council, which expanded the number of Police Department Chiefs from six to seven.

 

After the Charter was amended, the City of Buffalo entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Buffalo Public School District that confirms the School District’s responsibility for reimbursing the City for the new Chief’s annual salary and benefits.

 

Brinkworth was selected following a detailed interview process of several potential candidates, which was conducted in collaboration between the Mayor, the Police Commissioner and the Superintendent.

 

Upon assuming his new position, Brinkworth will develop a School Safety Operational Plan that will be coordinated between the Buffalo Police Department and the Buffalo Public Schools.

 

A graduate of Canisius College, with a degree in Psychology, and a 1996 graduate of the University of Akron School of Law, Brinkworth was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1999.

 

“I am honored to accept Mayor Brown’s appointment as Chief of School Safety and Security and I look forward to working with both my colleagues in the Buffalo Police Department and the representatives of the Buffalo Public School District in coordinating and ensuring the safety and welfare of the children of the Buffalo Public Schools,” said Brinkworth.

 

As Chief of School Safety and Security, Brinkworth will earn an annual salary of $84,771, which is identical to the six other Chief-level salaries.