NCJ Number
187021
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 70 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2001 Pages: 12-18
Editor(s)
John E. Ott
Date Published
January 2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article looks at legalized casino gambling in the city of Biloxi and its impact on crime rates in Mississippi, as well as its impact on the organizational restructuring of a local law enforcement agency.
Abstract
Prior to the legalization of casino gambling, Biloxi found itself nearly bankrupt, police department equipment was deteriorating, and officers who left the department could not be replaced. Casinos brought increased revenues that could not be ignored, as well as an increase in crime. Early recognition of the impact that casinos can have on local law enforcement, coupled with good planning by the Biloxi Police Department (BPD), prevented many problems other communities with casinos underwent. According BPD data, crime figures for Biloxi showed an increase in reported crimes since the first casino opened in 1992. Mississippi law mandated that 20 percent of casino revenues would supplement the local public safety budget. As a result of new revenue to the city, the police department was able to hire additional officers and the department’s budget saw a tremendous increase. The department recognized that along with increased crime there was potential for corruption. Efforts to deal with corruption and maintaining a positive image with the public involved four stages: personal conduct issues; traffic enforcement priorities; department reorganization; and interagency partnerships. Organizational change proves both healthy and inevitable, but the changes associated with the impact of casino gambling on a community accelerate everything for the police executive. These changes have produced valuable lessons in successful community planning, organizational leadership, change management, and the role of the police executive.