Mets Claim 'Inaccuracies' In Report Alleging Security Cutbacks At Citi Field
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- This won't to do much to help the reputation of the notoriously frugal New York Mets.
According to a budget report obtained by DNAinfo, the club reduced the amount of security personnel from 2009 to 2013 despite concerns of longer emergency response times and longer waits on ticket lines.
In a statement, the Mets claimed "numerous inaccuracies" without getting into specifics.
"While the details of our security are by their very nature confidential, the security of all who enter Citi Field is top priority," the team said, according to NJ.com.
The report was based on information from the ballpark's former director of event staff and five security supervisors, according to DNAinfo. All six individuals were fired in 2013 and subsequently filed age- or gender-based discrimination complaints, the website reported.
The cuts reduced the average number of security guards at games from 186 to 130, supervisors from 43 to 34 and NYPD officers on site from 16 to 10, DNAinfo reported.
As a result of the alleged cuts, sensitive areas inside Citi Field would be left either uncovered or with a reduction in coverage, including designated smoking areas, kids areas and sections where players' wives sit, according to the report.
"Last year the the (sic) kids zone post was cut, where we are always getting calls there about adults staring at the kids," the budget report said, according to DNAinfo. "Any additional cuts will leave the smoking area uncovered which is a big area for fights."
The Mets have been criticized for taking a hatchet to their on-field budget in the wake of the Bernie Madoff scandal.
