Binghamton Police to Conduct Bus Station “Sweeps”

Bob Joseph/WNBF [file][/caption]Police will use drug-sniffing dogs for random sweeps at the downtown Binghamton bus station.

Mayor Richard David has announced city police canine units will be utilized at the Chenango Street facility.

David said officers and their dogs will be visible during daytime and overnight sweeps at the transportation hub, which is owned by Broome County.

The first "sweep" was conducted Wednesday afternoon following the mayor's announcement. No drugs were discovered in the initial deployment.

The county will permit police to use an office at the bus station as part of the effort to reduce the amount of illegal drugs being brought into Binghamton by bus.

Although routine drug sweeps are planned, passengers won't be randomly stopped and searched by police.

The transportation facility serves as a hub for BC Transit and for regional bus services, including Greyhound and Coach USA.

Broome County security officers routinely patrol the bus station.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]