BUFFALO, N.Y. — An uptick in the number of fatal shootings in the city of Buffalo has prompted Erie County leaders to increase efforts to combat the violence.

What You Need To Know

  • The city of Buffalo has seen an uptick in fatal gun shootings
  • Erie County and Crime Stoppers launched a new billboard campaign this week
  • Rewards are being offered for information about homicides, non-fatal shootings and weapon possession
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Tina Sanders, founder of No More Tears Inc. in Buffalo, works with families that have lost loved ones to gun violence, and takes care of their needs during and after the incident.

"It's very real, because you build a relationship with these families,” said Sanders. “Everyone is suffering. Not just the person that caused the harm, their family. But also the family that has lost a loved one, so, it's a domino effect.”

Sanders says she’s encouraged by Erie County's latest effort to help combat the violence.

Leaders have partnered with Crime Stoppers WNY and rolled out their billboard campaign Tuesday in response to an uptick in gun violence this year.

"Any kind of help that the families can get to get the perpetrator that caused this devastation," said Sanders.

Leaders say they're offering cash rewards through Crime Stoppers to people who provide information about homicides, non-fatal shootings and illegal weapons.

"It's absolutely critical that law enforcement obtains this information from the public to assist them in their investigations," said Jim Jancewicz, Erie County Central Police Services commissioner.

"We need to do this to help stop the violence in our community,” said Mark Poloncarz, (D) Erie County executive. “You will never be revealed. That's the key to this — it's anonymous.”

Poloncarz says with an $80,000 investment from Erie County, Crime Stoppers is able to offer $7,500 for information that leads to an arrest and successful prosecution of a homicide case, $5,000 for a non-fatal shooting and $1,000 for illegal weapons possession. 

Poloncarz says more than $20,000 in tip money was paid out in 2019.

"[It helped] save lives by ensuring we got illegal guns off the streets, and we got individuals who were engaged in homicides or attempted murders off the streets,” said Poloncarz. “So we know the program works.”

"We're hopeful these billboards will encourage the public to reach out anonymously by phone or by app," said Frank Christiano, Crime Stoppers of WNY Board chairman.

Crime Stoppers leaders say they're thankful for the financial support, as all their funding comes from agency and community donations.

"Crime Stoppers sits at the hub of the wheel that connects and unites law enforcement, the prosecutors, our partners in the media and most importantly the citizens of our community," said Christiano.

Erie County District Attorney John Flynn's office also donated to Crime Stoppers, and says all of the homicides this year have occurred in the city of Buffalo.

"I'm here to put my money where my mouth is," said Flynn.

Sanders continues to encourage people to come forward, help the families she serves and provide them the closure they need. 

"If it was your family, you would want someone to say something,” said Sanders. “You would want answers for your loved one.”

Billboards will be placed in new locations every four weeks through September.

Sanders is also inviting the community to reach out to her if they don't want to contact police.

A domestic violence walk is set for June 26 on Doat Street at 10 a.m.