BUFFALO, N.Y. — Six months after the Buffalo Police Department's Foot Patrol Program began, officers are still walking the beat and getting to know neighbors, and handing out traffic receipts instead of traffic tickets.

The program isn't just about being visible on the streets. More than 3,000 residents submitted surveys helping officers focus on the issues that matter most to the community.

Because of that feedback, phase two is now underway. Officers walk the first half of their routes, and then patrol in their cars in areas where complaints have been reported, including streets with speeding and stop-sign violations.

Buffalo Police Lieutenant Maurice Foster said Instead of giving tickets, officers hand out traffic receipts. He said this approach helps build relationships between th

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