EAST BOSTON, MA - Former Boston Police Commissioner Paul Evans has joined Suffolk Downs as a consultant on public safety and compliance policies, the thoroughbred track announced today. Evans, who served as Commissioner of the Boston Police Department from 1993-2003, is advising the East Boston track as it assesses future business development options.

"Over the last few years, we have placed greater emphasis on issues of integrity, public safety and regulatory compliance," said Suffolk Downs Chief Operating Officer Chip Tuttle. "We identified Paul as someone whose vast expertise in these areas will be beneficial as we not only look at our existing operations but as we contemplate possible development and expansion opportunities."

After leaving his post at the Boston Police Department in 2003, Evans went to work for the Government of the United Kingdom as the Director of the Police and Crime Standards Directorate in London, where he formulated response and monitoring policies for 43 police agencies in England and Wales. Evans held this position until 2007 before returning to the U.S. and beginning an international consulting practice

“Suffolk Downs has demonstrated a commitment to being a trusted community partner and I look forward to assisting the track in evaluating and implementing policies that will maintain its integrity and ensure public safety at the site itself and in its surrounding communities,” said Evans.

During Evans’ service as Commissioner of the Boston Police, violent crime and homicide rates dropped dramatically as he implemented innovative neighborhood programs and crime prevention policies that were widely emulated across the country. Surveys showed a 50 percent increase in feelings of safety among Boston residents during his tenure.

Evans began his career in law enforcement in 1970 as a patrol officer in the Boston Police Department after three years of service in the United States Marine Corps. A Vietnam veteran, Evans is a graduate of Boston State College and Suffolk University Law School.

Active in the community, Evans has served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Greater Boston, Pine Street Inn, Boston Police Athletic League, and Police Executive Research Forum.