State Police Investigative Unit

The goals of protecting racing participants and the wagering public as well as maintaining the public's confidence in pari-mutuel wagering are achieved through the Commission's licensing, revenue collection and investigative activities.  The State Police Investigative Unit plays a vital role in achieving these goals.

M.G.L. CHAPTER 128A, SECTION 8

The Racing Commission applies to the Department of Public Safety for an assignment of a complement of police officers.  The Commission assigns State Police officers to guard and protect the lives and safety of the public, property, and animals at all racing meets.  In the performance of their duties, the State Police Investigative Unit investigates violations of the rules of racing and the Massachusetts General Laws.  The Investigative Unit's extensive responsibilities and activities have resulted in a major improvement in the Commission's regulatory functions.

KENNEL/STABLE INSPECTIONS

Kennel/Stable inspections focus on the detection of safety violations, the presence of unlicensed persons in restricted areas, and the possession of illegal medications, drugs and syringes.  These inspections are conducted by officers assigned to the State Police Unit and aid in preserving the integrity of racing.  These inspections are conducted both at the racetracks and at private sites off the racetracks.  The inspections are both announced and unannounced.

6 POSITIVE DRUG TESTS - 9 CONTROLLED MEDICATION VIOLATIONS

Protecting the integrity of racing involves animals racing free of prohibited drugs and medications.  The Investigative Unit is responsible for ensuring that the testing areas where samples are collected are secure and that the continuity of evidence is maintained with all samples.  The State Police investigate each positive drug test reported by the Racing Commission Laboratory, and interview the trainers, veterinarians and other persons responsible.

23 EJECTIONS - 50 INVESTIGATIONS - 11 ARRESTS

In 2007, the Unit conducted 50 investigations including hidden ownership of racehorses, larceny, counterfeit money, etc. that resulted in 11 arrests and/or 23 ejections from Massachusetts racetracks of persons determined to be detrimental to racing.

UNIFORMED STATE POLICE DETAILS

The State Police Investigative Unit oversees and assists the uniformed State Police detail in the test area of the horse tracks.  Paid by the Racing Commission, these details are responsible for witnessing the collection of samples, ensuring the continuity of evidence for samples, and transporting samples collected in the testing area to the Racing Commission Laboratory.  State Police training ensures the integrity of samples and provides expert testimony at administrative and court proceedings.  Detail officers also patrol the jockey's room and paddock areas at Suffolk Downs.

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS

The State Police Unit conducted thorough investigations into the background of each individual who was party to the application for a racetrack license in Massachusetts.  The State Police Unit also conducted several special investigations with other agencies and units within the State Police concerning two sexual harassments complaints, two cruelty to animals complaints, one missing persons complaint and sexual harassment, gaming violations in conjunction with one suspiciously large bet.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS

The State Police conducted 80 background investigations on Racing Commission employees, racing officials, and trainers who participate at Massachusetts racetracks.  They also conducted background investigations on all of the other persons licensed at Massachusetts racetracks.

THOROUGHBRED-STANDARDBRED RACING

Suffolk Downs and Plainridge Racecourse schedule approximately 100 minimum live performances each.   The State Police Unit committed itself to maintain a constant presence at each racetrack, especially during live racing, working closely with the Stewards/Judges and other Commission and racing officials to help ensure that each track operated honestly and credibly.