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Endicott Police Chief Patrick Garey. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

Endicott Police Chief Patrick Garey hopes there will be some big changes in the way people perceive the village.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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Garey - who took charge of the police department on July 18 - said he will be working to change Endicott's image.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Garey said he believes the village now "viewed as a safe place to do drugs and sell drugs and commit crimes."

While that may not be the reality, the chief said that is "absolutely the perception that's out there."

Garey said Endicott police officers have been working hard to deal with lawbreakers but he said they are "handcuffed in some ways" by current policies.

The chief said he hopes to implement procedures that will improve policing in the village in a way that will soon be visible to those who live and work in Endicott.

Garey said business owners frequently describe a perception that customers are afraid to visit the village because it's seen as violent and "almost like a haven to commit crimes." He said his top priority is to "aggressively" work to change that perception.

The chief said he hopes some "new and fresh approaches" will help address some of the biggest concerns of people who live and work in Endicott.

LISTEN to the Binghamton Now interview with Endicott Police Chief Patrick Garey.

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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