On April 14, 2016 during a public meeting, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) was presented with its first Public Safety Impact Report that focused on an analysis of changes in police data after the first six months of operation at Plainridge Park Casino. This public safety assessment and ongoing research is being conducted by MGC consultant and crime analyst Christopher Bruce. The analysis does not show that any significant increase in crime was influenced by the opening of Plainridge Park Casino.

As mandated by the Legislature and in an effort to better assess the impacts of new gaming facilities across the state, MGC commissioned a series of efforts to study, assess, and prepare for the social and economic impacts of gambling. As part of that overall effort, the Commission requested a specific analysis of the impact of gambling on public safety in Massachusetts cities and towns. This is the first analysis presented to the Commission after the initial collection of baseline research data conducted prior to the opening of Plainridge Park Casino.

The method used by Christopher Bruce to produce the first public safety analysis for Plainridge Park Casino included the collection of public safety data from records systems of Plainville, Attleboro, Mansfield, North Attleboro, Wrentham, and the Massachusetts State Police. The time period included the first six months (July-December 2015) post-opening of Plainridge Park Casino compared against past July-December periods since 2010.

The analysis indicated that incidents that occurred at Plainridge Park Casino are commensurate with expected totals at similar facilities that draw lots of people, have a large parking area, offer retail, entertainment, and dining options, and serve alcohol.

In addition, the analysis showed a likely causal relationship to increase in traffic-related calls for service, primarily in Plainville, that included improper or erratic driving, parking, disabled vehicles, and suspicious vehicles. Findings also identified an increase in credit card fraud and drunk driving incidents; however, there is no evidence to support a direct link to the casino and more research is needed.

The analysis showed no increases in robbery, burglary or theft and noted a significant decrease in auto thefts.

Plainville Police Chief James Alfred was present at yesterday’s public meeting and when asked for his personal assessment of Plainridge Park Casino’s public safety impact on the local area he stated, “As a whole, I’m not seeing a big impact at Plainridge and I’m not seeing a big impact in the surrounding neighborhoods. So far so good is the best way to put it.”

Christopher Bruce said, “In the first six months of research post –opening of Plainridge Park Casino, the analysis did not see any casino relationship to any increases in crime in the surrounding area. I look forward to our continued research and greatly appreciate the ongoing participation of the various police agencies.”

MGC Chairman Steve Crosby noted, “MGC is deeply committed to our comprehensive Research Agenda and our mandate from the legislature to truly understand what happens after the introduction of expanded gaming. I would like to commend the hard work and cooperation of all participating police agencies and researchers as we further this important work.”

A summary of findings from MGC’s first Public Safety Impact Report:

• In the first 6 months of activity, Plainridge Park produced crime and call figures commensurate with similarly-sized facilities in the region.
• Few significant increases in crimes in the surrounding area.
• Most significant increases were tied to traffic activity: complaints, collisions, disabled vehicles, suspicious vehicles.
• Major increase in credit card fraud disturbing/puzzling, but no specific evidence of Plainridge Park involvement.
• Some agencies seeing drunk driving increases, but data is inconsistent and phenomenon needs further study.

Mr. Bruce will now continue his research and present a one-year analysis to the Commission in the fall 2016. To view a copy of the presentation, click here.

About MGC Crime Analyst Christopher W. Bruce

Christopher W. Bruce is an internationally‐recognized expert in police data systems and police data analysis. He is a career crime analyst with previous service at the Cambridge Police Department and the Danvers Police Department. He was president of the Massachusetts Association of Crime Analysts from 2000 to 2004 and has served in several roles in the International Association of Crime Analysts. He currently consults with the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance; the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs; the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training.