Binghamton Police Units Receive $150,000 in Federal Grants

Federal funds will be used to enhance Binghamton Police Department special operations.

City Hall has announced $150,000 in public safety grants provided by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

Two-thirds of the money will be used to enhance local SWAT team capabilities. The funding will assist members of the Metro SWAT unit which includes officers from Binghamton, Johnson City and Vestal.

A remote-controlled camera-equipped robot is to be purchased, along with helmets, binoculars and communications gear.

Officials say the rest of the federal money will be allocated to the Binghamton police K-9 explosive detection unit. The department plans to acquire an explosive detection dog and a Ford Interceptor Sport Utility Vehicle.

A Binghamton police officer works with his canine partner near a downtown shooting scene on April 28, 2018. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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