Queens, NY, June 3, 2013 -- In order to increase public safety and deter criminal activity in and around the Resorts World Casino, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) has been advancing legislation (S.3746/A.5461) to require that peace officers be installed at the facility with the approval of the State Gaming Commission.

Addabbo, who is the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, noted that the casino at Aqueduct now employs security guards to protect and patrol the area, but that these guards are not empowered to make arrests. 

“In the event of any criminal activity or disruptive behavior that could be dangerous to the public or casino employees, the security guards can detain offenders, but must wait for local NYPD officers to arrive on the scene to carry out any procedural arrests,” Addabbo said. “I think that the threat of immediate arrest might serve as a greater deterrent to those who are seeking to cause trouble in the area, and peace officers would have that authority.”

The peace officers would be prohibited from carrying or possessing firearms in the course of their duties, “but would provide added law enforcement presence at the casino and send a message that criminal behavior will not be tolerated,” the Senator added.

The legislation recently cleared the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, and has been sent to the full Senate for further action. In the Assembly, it is under consideration by the Codes Committee.

# # #