The Orchard Park police could soon be patrolling the grass lots surrounding Ralph Wilson Stadium frequented by fans at Buffalo Bills games. While law enforcement have been in the stadium lots and directing traffic for years, a new mandate is being considered by the Town of Orchard Park in response to terror threats and poor fan behavior.
Private tailgating lots are licensed by the town. At the Town Board meeting last Wednesday, Orchard Park officials debated adding a provision to each perfmit allowing unannounced police access during times when fans are tailgating. For most of the lots, that means homeowners would be waiving their constitutional right against search and seizure in the name of public safety, at least for a few hours.