Monroeville Mall Officials Announce Implementation Of New Security Camera System
MONROEVILLE (KDKA) – Monroeville Mall officials have announced new security procedures after several recent incidents.
The worst act of violence happened in February when three people were shot inside Macy's.
While they have already implemented some new security policies, they have announced the addition of a 24-hour, seven-day a week video camera system.
The security camera system will cover both the interior and exterior of the mall. The cutting edge system will have both on and off-site monitoring capabilities.
"If somebody's going to do something they're going to do something," Monroeville Mall shopper Bill Goosby said.
Goosby goes to Monroeville Mall frequently, and doesn't think extra security is always the answer."There's really not a lot to do in this town for a lot of young folks. Coming here is part of social life," said Goosby.
As additional security upgrades continue to come to Monroeville Mall, Goosby fears teenagers will stop coming.
CBL and Associates, the owner of Monroeville Mall, also announced that additional security hours and shifts will be added. Both Monroeville Police officers and mall security will be working additional hours.
"More staff, more visibility, maximum coverage for local police officers and local security staff," Director of CBL Associate Properties Lance Ivy said.
Previously, the Monroeville Police Department substation opened inside the mall in March. Also, on-duty Monroeville Police officers have been available during peak hours. More officers are on the way.
"We have increased our security presence here with investigative techniques and certainly surveillance as well as just presence," Monroeville Police Chief Doug Cole said.
In February, the youth escort program was launched, which requires anyone under the age of 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age 21 on Fridays and Saturdays after 6 p.m.
"I think most people assume when they're in a store there's a possibility they're on camera. I think most kids are comfortable with having their image out there," Monroeville Mall shopper Nicole Riggs said.
Mall officials said they hope to get the new security cameras up and running as soon as possible. They say all these added measures shows that they are committed to making sure the community is safe.
CBL and Associates will be paying for the new cameras.
The mall is also paying for police officers to work extra shifts.
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