On Thursday, April 25, 17 Broome County patrols hit the streets of the Greater Binghamton area to take part in Operation Safe Stop.

"They follow that bus throughout its route and then again, ensure that no vehicles are passing that school bus while it is stopped as lights the red lights are on and arm out,"  Lieutenant Joshua Davidson of Broome County Sheriff's Office said.

They followed buses from the Maine-Endwell, Union-Endicott, and Chenango Valley Central School Districts, all routes that have a history of illegal passing complaints. 

Violators of the law were issued citations and had their violations reported to a central command post. 

For some of the officers, puling over violators would serve as an opportunity to educate those who did not follow the law. 

"Definitely educate them on, you know, what you're supposed to do when you see red flashing lights in a stop sign on a school bus and just the severity of it," Deputy Sheriff for Broome County Sheriff's Office John Kliment said. 

Today's operation is a reminder to the community that the safety of the kids is always a top priority.

"We will enforce this vehicle and traffic violation, but also for the kids and the parents to know that we are here," Davidson said. "We recognize that it is an issue."