Broome Will Seek More Military Surplus Equipment

Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]The Broome County Sheriff's Office is expected to apply for additional military-style gear from the federal government.

Sheriff David Harder says he's been looking online to "see what's available."

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Friday, Harder said he is trying to find some water buffaloes, tankers that could be used to transport water to areas after a disaster.

The sheriff said the only cost to the county in acquiring surplus military gear is the expense in "picking it up." He said equipment brought to Broome County typically would have to be transported from Fort Drum in northern New York.

Harder noted the property still belongs to the federal government. Although the county is able to utilize the equipment, it's "on loan" and could be used again by the military.

The sheriff said his agency has acquired five vehicles through the surplus program, including two "Humvees" and one unit that used as a SWAT vehicle.

Harder said it could cost the county $200,000 to acquire such an armor-plated vehicle.

The sheriff said the military-type equipment rarely is used but it's available for emergency situations. He said the vehicles would not be utilized for crowd control situations.

The deployment of military vehicles by local police agencies has come under increased scrutiny following recent clashes between law enforcement officers and protesters in Ferguson, Missouri.