Joseph Gramaglia resigns as Buffalo Police Commissioner due to “different priorities,” Scanlon says

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia resigned Monday morning after a conversation with Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon revealed a difference in policing priorities and philosophies, Scanlon said during a press conference.

Gramaglia served as police commissioner since March 2022. His resignation was set to go into effect at midnight Tuesday and return him to his previous rank as captain, however, WIVB News 4 learned Tuesday that Gramaglia instead filed paperwork to retire.

“This morning, I was informed by Acting Mayor Scanlon of his decision that he was moving in a different direction and that I would no longer be serving as the Buffalo Police Commissioner,” Gramaglia said in a statement. “Public safety has always been my top priority.”

First Deputy Police Commissioner of Operations Alphonso Wright has been named Acting Police Commissioner. Scanlon says he will be submitting Wright’s name to the Common Council for the permanent position.

When asked about the differences between Gramaglia and Scanlon’s new administration, Scanlon said the former police commissioner was focused on violent crimes and more emphasis needs to be put on “nuisance crimes.” He cited recent property damage in Kaisertown as an example.

“Public safety is a number one priority of mine in this administration,” Scanlon said. “I want a presence in the different districts, I want people to be out interacting with officers, officers interacting with the community. Far too often someone’s first interaction with a police officer is a negative one and we’ve gotta change that.”

Scanlon thanked Gramaglia for his service to the Buffalo Police Department in an interview with WIVB News 4 Wednesday.

“I had the conversation with him about heading in a new direction with the department,” Scanlon said. “During that conversation he decided he’d rather resign.”

Acting Police Commissioner Wright has been with Buffalo Police since 1988 and has served various leadership roles, including Chief of Detectives.

“His long-standing commitment to public safety, operational excellence, and community engagement will be invaluable as he leads the department forward,” Scanlon said.

Gramaglia was appointed police commissioner by former Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and became one of the most visible faces in law enforcement following the Tops supermarket mass shooting on May 14, 2022. During his tenure, he has targeted reducing gun violence and gang violence. He has also strongly advocated for evidence-based policing.

He first joined the Buffalo Police Department in 1996 as a patrol officer. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2008, then to captain in 2013 while heading up the homicides/crimes against persons division. Finally, he was promoted to chief in 2016.

According to his city bio, he also serves as president of the Major Cities Chiefs’ Association, which includes major cities such as New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami and more.

This is the second major move within Scanlon’s administration in recent weeks. In November, Buffalo Sewer Authority General Manager OJ McFoy accepted a position with the City of Houston Public Works. His last day with Buffalo was Dec. 31.

It is not yet known when Gramaglia will officially retire.

Latest Local News

Schools across Buffalo celebrate Bills Spirit Friday

Traditions to superstitions: How Bills Mafia hopes to help the team

Police release bodycam video in connection with arrest at Walden Galleria

Man charged for 2024 murder at Niagara Falls block party

Former Erie County Clerk’s Office employee sentenced for stealing $320K

Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.