Some leaders are called to their roles. Others grow into them — shaped by the very neighborhoods they now serve. Chief Todd McAllister is a rare example of both. Born and raised just around the corner from the E District he now leads in the Buffalo Police Department, his story is one of service, education, community partnership, and transformational leadership.
Appointed Chief on February 1, 2024, Todd McAllister now oversees E District — a vibrant and diverse portion of Buffalo that includes University Heights and surrounding neighborhoods — with the kind of insight only someone from the community could possess.
Chief McAllister isn’t just “the guy in charge.” He’s one of us — someone who grew up in these neighborhoods, walked these streets, and knows firsthand the unique challenges and strengths of the people who live here.
That background isn’t just symbolic — it informs how he leads. He understands that safety is about more than crime statistics; it’s about trust, relationship building, and shared purpose.
A Scholar-Leader With Lifelong Learning
Before rising through the ranks, Todd committed to studying leadership and human performance. He earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine and a Master’s in Athletic Administration from Canisius University, showing early on that his interests weren’t just academic, but rooted in people’s physical and mental well-being.
His commitment to lifelong learning didn’t stop there. He has completed leadership training at the FBI’s Great Lakes Leadership Academy and is enrolled in the University of Chicago’s Policing Leadership Academy at the Harris School of Public Policy — an indication that Chief McAllister constantly seeks new ways to lead with excellence and integrity.
From Officer To Community Champion
Long before he held the title of Chief, Todd McAllister was laying the foundation for community-centered policing. When he was still a Police Officer, he partnered with then-Officer Michael Norwood Jr. and others to launch a powerful initiative that would redefine officer-youth engagement in Buffalo.
Together, they started a push-up challenge at MST High School — not as a drill sergeant, but as mentors challenging young people to build confidence, discipline, and trust through physical activity and positive interaction. That early program sparked something bigger: a commitment to break down barriers between police and youth.
As he rose to Lieutenant, Todd founded a not-for-profit organization called C.O.P.S.S. — Children Overcoming Police Stereotypes through Sports. With the assistance of Michael Norwood and Moe Badger, these efforts took on new life, bringing officers into schools across the city to host discussions, build relationships with students, and follow those talks with fun, competitive games like basketball — blending mentorship with action. Former Mayor Byron Brown and former Commissioner Byron Lockwood regularly supported these events, showing how these grassroots efforts resonated across capacity lines.
This wasn’t a one-off show — it was a movement. C.O.P.S.S. has been credited with changing perceptions and bringing kids who might otherwise never see positive interactions with police into structured, uplifting events that highlight mentorship over enforcement.
Teamwork and Collaboration
One evening, I (Darren McDuffie) received a call from Todd. He immediately explained the new program and not-for-profit he was launching. He said, “You need to jump on this. We’re having a meeting at Norwood’s house. I want you to be there”. Todd McAllister, Michael Norwood, and Moe Badger had already had everything set up and put in place. As a result, Todd and the fellas allowed me to build the website, social media business page, and the GoFundMe account. He could’ve easily hired an outside company. Moe and Norwood could’ve easily set up the business pages themselves and/or utilized someone else. Consequently, they trusted my skill set and work ethic to assist in a very important part of their business. It was an outstanding experience. Till this day, I still appreciate having the opportunity to work with these great men.
With all of that said, during Todd McAllister’s career, he could have easily conducted these programs by himself. Instead of hoarding his greatness, instead of keeping his great ideas to himself, he often included others. In that, Todd did not just collaborate and work with Lieutenant Michael Norwood and Officer Moe Badger. I saw with my own eyes Todd include Former Buffalo New York Mayor Byron Brown, Former Buffalo Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood, Capt Jenny Velez, Officer Spencer, and many others. Some may have forgotten sitting on that stage at McKinley High School, but I did not. A vast majority of us sitting on that stage had no more than five years on the job at that time. As a result of receiving a phone call from then-Lieutenant Todd McAllister, we were speaking to an entire school, all while sitting next to the Buffalo Police Commissioner. For those who remember, it was a very sentimental moment as teenagers walked up to the stage crying, as we all spoke about losing our loved ones to gang violence while growing up in the Inner City of Buffalo, New York.
Educator & Mentor
Chief Todd McAllister’s impact isn’t limited to policing. He spent seven years working within the Buffalo Public School system, serving as police security during the day and supporting after-school programs — building rapport with students, staff, and families long before many community policing programs were conceptualized.
He’s also a respected adjunct professor at local colleges and a certified instructor at the Erie County law enforcement academy, where he helps shape the next generation of leaders — both inside and outside law enforcement.
Leading E District Today
Now, as Chief of E District, McAllister brings decades of hands-on community involvement to his leadership. He leads officers not just with policy manuals, but with empathy and connection, uplifting promises of service with visible action.
Under his command, community policing isn’t just a buzzword — it’s lived. Whether through neighborhood engagement events, collaborative meetings with residents, or support for youth programs, Chief McAllister has worked to ensure that safety and trust grow hand-in-hand.
His work hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s been honored with awards for community policing and service — recognition that underscores not just what he does, but why he does it: to strengthen the fabric of Buffalo’s neighborhoods through respectful partnership and meaningful engagement.
Why Chief McAllister Matters
In a time when many cities struggle with trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, Chief Todd McAllister stands out as a leader who embodies both sides. He understands the badge’s responsibility and the community’s hopes because he lives both perspectives every day.
He grew up here. He learned here. And most importantly, he chose to serve here — with heart, vision, and relentless dedication.
Buffalo is stronger because of leaders like him — leaders rooted in community, committed to dialogue, and driven by authentic relationships.
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