Zappala: Monroeville Mall Officials Failed To Follow 2013 Security Recommendations
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala said Monroeville Mall officials failed to follow recommendations from a security consultant back in 2013.
Zappala said he alerted County Council to the movement of violence and narcotics from Pittsburgh to Wilkinsburg and other eastern suburbs in 2013.
KDKA's Marty Griffin Reports:
"I had security consultants meet with the mall," said Zappala. "Because it was becoming a destination point for drug transactions. I don't know what, if, any, things have been done. I don't believe they did what the consultant told them to do. Now, we're responding to violence. It was foreseeable and we talked about it, and gave them some people to work with them and we're going to get some stuff done right."
Zappala says the drug market has moved east of the city. He says when talking about drugs, violence usually follows.
The Waterfront spent $100,000 to put cameras and license plate recognition technology at the entrances, but Zappala says they are not being properly maintained.
"If we're not going to use the technology, I'm going to take it to other places that need it," said Zappala.
He also said there were discussions to add cameras and technology to the Waterworks shopping center.
The Monroeville Mall announced Sunday it would implement a "Youth Escort Policy."
KDKA's Lynne Hayes-Freeland Reports:
The new policy states that anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old or older, when visiting the mall.
In a statement, the mall says the new policy is, "designed to provide all of its shoppers and retailers with a family-friendly, convenient and enjoyable shopping experience."
"I think it will help, but I'd like to hear what else they have in mind because we really haven't been able to sit down and dialog on a security plan," Zappala said.
The new policy will take effect later this month.
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