Security concerns in malls - Essay Example

Security concerns in malls In our generation, the terms security generally evokes memories of terrorist acts happening or having happened in the past. Almost every nation around the globe has a story to tell or testimony to make. America has not been left behind. The September 11 terrorist attack on American soil conjures fresh thoughts of a nation torn apart by savages with no moral regard for human life. Even though the aftermath saw America adopt state of the art security systems and preventive mechanisms, it has not been spared terror attempts in the recent past. A good example is the mass shooting that left 50 people dead and 53 injured in Orlando Florida. However, terrorism is not the only security concern in America. Security concerns in malls range from shrinkages, vandalism, fraud and many others (Galinsky, Parker & Koe-Krompecher, 2013). When it comes to mall security however, most people think of “mall cops.” Though they play a crucial role in ensuring malls are safe from petty criminals, they are viewed as poorly trained guards whose sole purpose is to stop loitering teenagers from accessing malls than preventing terrorist attacks. Following the Westgate mall terror attack that left more than 62 Kenyans dead, American malls tightened security in preparation for such an incident. In order to understand the importance of securing malls across America, it is imperative to have a general understanding of the vicinity within shopping malls. According to Pearson (2011) malls are large open spaces filled with multiple entry points and exits and are more often than not full of people from different walks of life. It suffices to say that all malls have their security measures incorporated right from shopper’s entry points, to the parking lots. This calls for adoption of modern security systems over the now phased out traditional systems that solely depended on mall cops. In short, installation of electronic security system is the way to go. There are several malls in America but for this discussion the Mall of America will be used as a case study due to its large size. Mall of America was opened in 1992 and is the largest shopping mall in the United States. The mall boasts of an indoor amusement park, more than 520 stores, 4.3 miles of storefronts and over 40 million visitors annually (Galinsky, Parker & Koe-Krompecher, 2013). Without doubt, the mall presents stakeholders with a complex challenge towards ensuring its security is up to date and foolproof. For example, personnel within the mall train throughout the year on ways to curb security concerns ranging from shrinkages, active shooter situation and many more. Further, the mall has to rely on behavioral techniques to detect strange acts from shoppers and stop them on their tracks. Most people would see these security mechanisms as simple and easily achieved. However, if we face the technicalities involved by the gonads, the whole process is expensive and cumbersome. The security drills come at a cost and training the large number of security guards in behavioral psychology is close to impossible. Consequently, the most appropriate security mechanism for the Mall of America is to fully adopt Electronic Security Systems. Electronic Security Systems encompass intruder alarms, CCTV access control et cetera. An important aspect of mall security however, is to ensure that shoppers are provided with an enjoyable and safe experience during shopping. In order for such a goal to be achieved, the right people have to be brought on board, appropriately trained and groomed towards operation of the mall security system. Pearson (2011) agrees with Mall of America’s security director, Doug Reynolds sentiments that technology is a double-edged blade with merits and demerits across different aspects. Nonetheless, its application in malls is mandatory if desired results are to be achieved. Incorporating motion sensors connected to alarm systems and CCTV cameras would greatly benefit Mall of America. In short, the plethora of benefits would outweigh the drawbacks. Below are benefits and drawbacks that come with installation of Electronic Security Systems with regard to Mall of America. Advantages The most obvious benefit of installing security cameras and motion sensors in restricted areas is that they deter crime. Even though many would argue that there already exists CCTVs in Mall of America, it is not enough. Remember Westgate Mall had security cameras too, but the aftermath of the attack played down the role that they played to detect possible intrusion. Unlike employing many mall cops, once alarm systems and CCTVs are in place, the security personnel will be able to see larger areas of the mall that human eye cannot cover. In fact, statistics show that the mere sight of cameras is intimidating enough to stop potential mischiefs from idlers, shoplifters and shooters. Secondly, Mall of America being a place that attracts people from all walks of life, placing cameras at particular positions will help in monitoring behaviors of people and collect evidence during events. Additionally, with modern security cameras having the capability to record audio, words from people can be acoustically analyzed in situations where evidence is needed and available witnesses are unable to place exact words into the mouth of suspects. This implies that the personnel at Mall of America can coordinate with legal authorities to follow series of events as they unfold. Thirdly, footages from camera recordings act as store of records of past events. This could come in handy for Mall of America. Having a database of recorded audios and videos can help where reference is needed especially in events that are suspected to be related or are ambiguous to comprehend from mere human memory (Pearson, 2011). Similarly, CCTV footages can help big malls to make fair judgments in case of disputes, this may be staff-staff or client-staff disputes. Little training is also needed to install Alarms and CCTV cameras. Disadvantages On the flipside, CCTV cameras in Mall of America may raise controversies with regard to privacy. In the past for example, cases of employees complaining of ‘being watched’ without their permission have stirred up debates on invasion of privacy and regulatory limits. Many states have laws that prohibit use of CCTVs in private places such as bathrooms in place. However, in cases of malls and public amenities the same does not apply. Nonetheless, some workers have taken their employers to court over privacy invasion. Thus, Mall of America should always brace itself for legal battles. Galinsky, Parker & Koe-Krompecher (2013) concur that despite dummy cameras being inexpensive, the real ones cost a hell of a fortune especially if they are being installed in large shopping complexes like Mall of America. The features of the cameras to be installed also matter. Motion sensors are also expensive to install and so is the cost of maintenance. Hard-wire alarm system is cumbersome in light of the fact that it is hard to introduce and regularly needs proficient support. This can build establishment expenses and make it hard to evacuate the framework when it's an ideal opportunity to migrate. Even though cameras are able to record events as they occur and help police arrest criminals, they can’t stop crimes in progress. They cannot alert police or neighbors like alarm systems. Thus, in case of theft or terrorist attack, loses will be incurred and lives probably lost. In sum, before malls take up the initiative to incorporate security measures, it is imperative to have a general knowledge about the best systems in the market. References Pearson, R. L. (2011). Electronic security systems: A manager's guide to evaluating and selecting system solutions. Amsterdam: Butterworth-Heinemann. Galinsky, M., Parker, M. H., Koe-Krompecher, B., & In Miles, P. (2013). Malls across America. Read More