Courts, Shoppers Force Malls to Beef Up Security
* I read with interest Norman Klein’s “The Price of Safety at the Mall” (Valley Commentary, Nov. 28). While I appreciate his views, having worked in shopping center management for 14 years, I take exception to many of them.
Safety is a major concern as the nation’s courts lay more and more responsibility on mall owners to provide a safe environment. Irresponsibility in security can lead to public outcry as well as monetary penalties that can far outweigh the cost of supplying security services.
The nature of today’s society requires this close attention to security via more guards, addition of police substations and surveillance equipment.
Security also provides other services such as safety monitoring, public relations, and shopper and tenant assistance. It is not the intention of most mall security staffs to function as “police state” representatives.
It is true that malls are private property, but I take exception to our being branded as “jittery proprietors.” Again, the courts have intervened and placed heavy responsibilities on mall managements to monitor what goes on in their centers and the effects these activities have on shoppers.
Malls are open to the public for the purpose of shopping. That may sound like cold, hard business, but that’s the bottom line. In shopping surveys, customers say their main purpose in coming to a mall is to shop. They are drawn by the variety of shops, convenience, and so forth. Oh, and by the way, the shoppers want a safe environment in which to do their buying.
Now, before I’m targeted as a ruthless business person, I’d like to point out that malls have become integral parts of the community. Malls have conducted food drives, fed and clothed the homeless, “adopted” schools, entertained underprivileged and handicapped children, helped disaster victims and supported anti-drug campaigns, as well as entertained shoppers with community bands, choirs and school talent.
Mall rules? Yes we have rules and regulations. The child sliding down the escalator needs to be cautioned about the dangers. I’ve seen severed toes and little feet caught in the steps when children ride escalators improperly. I was once part of a major lawsuit brought by a mother who stood by and watched her child ride up the handrail only to fall when he reached the top, suffering lifelong debilitating injuries. Sometimes adults need reminding too.
Malls are gathering spots for kids, and shopping can be a fun way for them to pass the time. But when they turn into intimidating groups that harass other shoppers, a line needs to be drawn. When gang activity surfaces, it has to be curtailed.
I must admit that a certain amount of spontaneity can be lost. I too enjoy the street entertainers in Old Pasadena. But I didn’t like being confronted by the panhandler who yelled at me, “Hey lady! Got any money for me?” I was thankful that a security guard was nearby.
Picture the scene in an enclosed mall if uncontrolled musicians, entertainers, petitioners and solicitors roamed at will. The courts have ruled that malls have a responsibility to allow public forum activities, but they grant malls certain rights to maintain control. Most shopping centers have responded by allowing these activities in designated areas.
MARCY YOUNG
Van Nuys
