Broome Serious Crime Arrrests Are Up

Sheriff David Harder says the numbers should be balanced with the fact that the number of arrests for incidents like aggravated assault and murder are also up due to the commitment of law enforcement officers.

Of 500 arrests in the Sheriff’s division last year, 100 of those were minor narcotics possession counts.  Harder says the incidents of illegal drug use, possession and sale in the county pose the most serious law enforcement challenge in the region.

Rapes, burglaries and larcenies were lower last year.

Harder says an increase in arrests may also be attributed to public participation, especially on social media.  The Sheriff’s office, Binghamton Police and others have Facebook accounts and other outlets where witnesses can report tips to authorities.