High-End Orlando Mall Makes Statement With Security

Encompassing 1.2 million square feet and featuring almost 150 shops, Orlando’s Mall at Millenia boasts numerous high-end shopping destinations, including just the second Rolex storefront in the United States.

And while some believe parts of the security operations – like the command center – should be not seen, Gregg Moore, the mall’s director of security,  takes the opposite approach.

The command center, complete with video screens, radios and other equipment is located near the mall’s executive office and can be seen by anyone passing by.

“Our philosophy on our command center is that we want to make a statement,” Moore said. “We want to show everyone that we have a large commitment to security.”

Another part of the security equation is the more than 50 in-house, unarmed security officers that roam every part of the mall -- from the 5,600-space parking lot all the way to inside the property.

Just like the command center, Gregg has no problem with the officers taking a high-profile role in protecting tenants and guests.

“Our attitude is that we want to set the tone from the perimeter in,” he said. “We want to show that we have a dedication to security and be right there in your face. We want to send a very clear message to the bad guys.”

But the message to potential criminals is a little different than law enforcement.

“Our job is not to catch the bad guys,” Gregg said. “What we want to do is make them uncomfortable as possible first and then have them move elsewhere.”

And technology also plays a part in protecting the property. Gregg said that the entire mall’s square footage is under IP camera “potential.” By the end of May, a significant number of network  cameras will be added while the monitors in the command center will be converted to flat screens.

Mall security also can record all calls made to dispatchers and use a mass notification system to inform tenants of issues like storms or a lost child.

The camera system plays a large part in helping to protect the property. If a rule breaker is spotted, an officer will come up and introduce themselves and hand a person a small card with the mall’s rules.

After the officer moves on, a camera operator in the command center will continue to follow the person. If the behavior continues, the person will be asked to leave the property.

Along with being the site of ASIS 2011, the mall’s security staff has already begun to partner with local law enforcement to make preparations for for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game coming to the city next year.

“We are very proud of our public-private partnerships,” Gregg said. “There are really no walls with us.”

As an example of the partnerships, Gregg said recently the mall’s security staff worked with Orlando police to conduct a sting. The mall provided empty boxes of Apple products and game consoles to place in a 15-passenger van to help catch thieves in a sting operation.

Mall security and some of the tenants also participate in FORCE, or Florida Organized Retail Crime Enforcement.  The group uses online tools to keep members informed of suspected crime groups that could possibly be coming through the area.

Despite preconceived notions about mall security, the reality of protecting the Mall at Millenia is much different.

“We are very proud of the fact when people come up and tell us that we are the only mall they will go to,” Gregg said. “The industry is really a true profession now. Being a security officer here is no longer a retirement job. You don’t have to have law enforcement experience.”

About the Author

Brent Dirks is senior editor for Security Today and Campus Security Today magazines.

Featured

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.