Union raps cuts in State Police at Conn. casinos

NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) — The head of the union representing Connecticut State Police troopers says a police reduction set to begin this week at the two Indian-run casinos could jeopardize public safety.

The Day of New London reports that officials say fewer state police will patrol the casinos on Friday and Saturday nights to help cut costs and deploy troopers elsewhere.

The plan calls for Mashantucket Pequot tribal police to increase their presence at the Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan tribal police to do the same at the Mohegan Sun.

Sgt. Andrew Matthews, president of the Connecticut State Police Union, says it's insufficient to protect the public.

Col. Danny Stebbins, commanding officer of the state police, says attendance and the police workload have declined at the casinos.

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Information from: The Day