Officials credit Jackson Police Department/YEP for bringing shoppers back
Source: STANLEY DUNLAP, Jackson Sun - Local
Four years ago, Old Hickory Mall was a popular weekend hangout spot for teenagers.
But escalating problems with loitering, shoplifting and gang fights created an environment where people didn't feel safe, officials said.
Since the Youth Escort Policy Program began in November 2004 to put restrictions on when juveniles can go to the mall without a guardian, shoppers have been coming back.
On Tuesday, mall officials recognized the Jackson Police Department for its role in making the program successful.
Capt. Gerry Campbell, Investigator Steve Gregory, Officer Ken Stone, Sgt. Alberto Luis Col—n and Police Chief Rick Staples received plaques during the luncheon at Old Hickory Steakhouse.
"Within the first year, it was a difference between night and day," Old Hickory Mall operations director Randy Dick said. "This is our way of saying thanks to these guys for helping us get this done."
The Youth Escort Policy requires an adult to accompany anyone under 18 at the mall every Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Jackson police officers work at the mall helping security personnel with any arrests.
The police presence has been key in reducing shoplifting by 80 percent on the two nights, said Dick, who was head of security operations for the Emerson Russell Maintenance Co. when the program started.
Emerson Russell Maintenance Co. provides the security and housekeeping for the mall.
Implementing a youth escort policy is usually a last resort for CBL and Associates, which operates 86 malls throughout the nation including Old Hickory, said Todd Gibb, general manager of the local mall.
A mass campaign involved getting out the message about the new policy through the media, churches and schools for more than four months.
"It's such a huge cost and undertaking that you have to have the support to do it," Gibb said. "We have heard nothing but positive comments from our customers and tenants."
Staples said the teamwork between the city and mall has gone both ways.
"I think the mall had become a social event for kids when it was designed as a shopping center," Staples said. "(They've) made life easier at the mall for us with the way they've gone about it."
The policy isn't designed to keep young people out of the mall on the weekends, Dick said. They can go into an anchor store such as Macy's to buy something but can't come into the lobby of the mall without an adult, he said.
The program has led to its intended result of making the mall more comfortable, which means the program will continue, officials said.
"Now on Friday and Saturday nights, you see families shopping," Dick said.
Visit jacksonsun.com and share your thoughts.
Four years ago, Old Hickory Mall was a popular weekend hangout spot for teenagers.
But escalating problems with loitering, shoplifting and gang fights created an environment where people didn't feel safe, officials said.
Since the Youth Escort Policy Program began in November 2004 to put restrictions on when juveniles can go to the mall without a guardian, shoppers have been coming back.
On Tuesday, mall officials recognized the Jackson Police Department for its role in making the program successful.
Capt. Gerry Campbell, Investigator Steve Gregory, Officer Ken Stone, Sgt. Alberto Luis Col—n and Police Chief Rick Staples received plaques during the luncheon at Old Hickory Steakhouse.
"Within the first year, it was a difference between night and day," Old Hickory Mall operations director Randy Dick said. "This is our way of saying thanks to these guys for helping us get this done."
The Youth Escort Policy requires an adult to accompany anyone under 18 at the mall every Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Jackson police officers work at the mall helping security personnel with any arrests.
The police presence has been key in reducing shoplifting by 80 percent on the two nights, said Dick, who was head of security operations for the Emerson Russell Maintenance Co. when the program started.
Emerson Russell Maintenance Co. provides the security and housekeeping for the mall.
Implementing a youth escort policy is usually a last resort for CBL and Associates, which operates 86 malls throughout the nation including Old Hickory, said Todd Gibb, general manager of the local mall.
A mass campaign involved getting out the message about the new policy through the media, churches and schools for more than four months.
"It's such a huge cost and undertaking that you have to have the support to do it," Gibb said. "We have heard nothing but positive comments from our customers and tenants."
Staples said the teamwork between the city and mall has gone both ways.
"I think the mall had become a social event for kids when it was designed as a shopping center," Staples said. "(They've) made life easier at the mall for us with the way they've gone about it."
The policy isn't designed to keep young people out of the mall on the weekends, Dick said. They can go into an anchor store such as Macy's to buy something but can't come into the lobby of the mall without an adult, he said.
The program has led to its intended result of making the mall more comfortable, which means the program will continue, officials said.
"Now on Friday and Saturday nights, you see families shopping," Dick said.
Visit jacksonsun.com and share your thoughts.
