Security guards have become a normal sight among the throng of patrons for most malls in town. Because restrictions on certain malls have been actively enforced, there has been less crime and more enjoyable visits.
People are curious as to know whether or not it’s the security affecting the crime and punishment element. The need for security has made it clear, but some malls don’t have security and are well off. Restrictions on certain malls have been changed in the last two years mostly because of the behavior and actions of a younger audience. There were a few episodes that were violent that required police intervention. The parental escort policy has been instituted.
“These rules are so bogus.” Says freshman Juandrell Cage “It’s stupid of them to punish all of us for a few bad incidents like the fights that happened.
On New Year’s Eve, there was another change in policy at Bayshore similar to Mayfair’s parental escort policy. People under eighteen will be banned from the center after 3pm on Fridays and Saturdays unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. An incident in the food court on the day after Christmas is what caused Bayshore to take on this restriction. So far, the policy is supposed to be enforced for a month, but Glendale police and community leaders will determine in a few weeks if it will become permanent.
“The changes were difficult to adapt to in the beginning,” says Bob Harrington, head of security at Mayfair. “It was a real change off pace because the ranges of age and types of people have changed due to the restrictions placed.”
The changes are not only hard for security staff. Messmer students are not taking the news well either. “I can’t believe they’re doing this policy at Bayshore now too. They’re banning us from everywhere we go! What are we supposed to do now?” questions Javonte Davis.
According to security and shop owners at Mayfair and Bayshore, both parking lot surveillance and mall security personnel have been increased because of past incidents.
However, malls’ target audiences have been altered due to these issues and the crowds have become more manageable
People have reacted differently to these changes. Only 19% of Messmer students are truly angry about parental escort policy placed at Mayfair and have decided to just move on to other malls such as Brookfield Square and Bayshore. Another 37%, did not even care about the policy because it wasn’t even their first choice of malls to shop or hang out at.
“The restrictions at Mayfair Mall on North Mayfair Road are irritating to me now. They make it not even worth trying to go to. The fact that they are even enforcing this policy is a major force, and I don’t even see the point in going anymore when I could just go to Bayshore Mall by myself without being stopped by some security guard!” says Andria Sewell-Cotton, junior.
She isn’t the only one reacting this way. Messmer students are frustrated that the only way to get into Mayfair for a short time these days is to be eighteen or older when attending alone or with someone 21 years or older if your not 18 yet. The only time that children can be without escort at Mayfair is on Fridays and Saturdays until 2pm. Many of the students have transferred their allegiance over to Bayshore where the Parental Escort Policy is also starting to slowly take over.
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