Ohio Security Plan Revealed

What does it say when so much is spent on security?

Security Plan for Horseshoe Casino Revealed
Posted on: April 4, 2012, by Elisa Amigo

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Soon, thousands of gamblers are expecting to cash in at the Horseshoe Casino. The security plan to keep you safe will cost the city $2.2 million.

Wednesday afternoon, Cleveland Police Chief Mike McGrath met with the City Council Safety Committee to detail security measures.

“We’re pretty confident we’re going to provide a safe downtown neighborhood for people to come down and visit,” said Chief McGrath.

City workers are worried about increased crime and danger.

“It’s gonna be there, it comes with the territory,” said Willie Brown.

Debra Baker said, “With people being unemployed, they’ll see that as an opportunity to take something from somebody.”

Besides 1,000 surveillance cameras inside the casino, Chief McGrath says up to eight agents from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation will be employed to handle all crimes against the casino. Approximately 120 casino security officers/ambassadors will monitor the floor and off-duty police officers and sheriffs deputies will be prepared to make an arrest. All internal security forces will be paid for by the casino.

Outside the casino, the city will employ 20 Cleveland police officers who have been laid off and seven traffic controllers to patrol downtown city streets.

“We’re assuming and hoping the casino is going to be very successful,” said Councilman Mike Polensek.

The money used to pay for the 2012 safety plan will come from the city’s general fund. A spokeswoman from the Mayor’s Office say much of the cost will be offset by an increase in tourism revenue.

Toledo Casino Site Soon Ready For Ohio Regulators
By: ANN SANNER Associated Press
Published: April 04, 2012

The commission on Wednesday approved 861 licenses for casino employees in Toledo and Cleveland. So far, they've signed off on almost 1,140 licenses. And on Thursday, a casino employee in Cleveland was expected to be presented with the first state-issued license.

The state is also ramping up its efforts to tackle potential gambling addictions in the state.

Laura Clemens, the commission's point person on problem gambling, told the panel that 200 additional social workers, counselors and others have now received training to treat those who are having gambling issues or addictions.

Commissioners were updated on law enforcement and security at the casinos.

Two to four investigators from the Ohio attorney general's office will be roaming the casinos at any given time of day. The gambling agents, who will be dressed in business-casual clothing and carrying concealed guns, will keep an eye out for potential cheating and other problems. They'll have arresting authority for gambling-related crimes.