Connecticut Post Mall institutes curfew policy requiring kids under 18 to have adult supervision
Milford CT March 10, 2023
Starting this weekend, anyone under 18 years old will need a parent or a supervising adult with them at the Connecticut Post Mall on Saturday evenings. The mall first implemented the policy, known as the Parental Guidance Program, in December 2019 after a massive fight, and it’s returned every holiday season since.
A spokesperson for the Milford mall said the program is coming back now “to encourage a pleasant and safe shopping environment for all guests.” She didn’t allude to any specific incident, but Milford police told News 12 there’s been an uptick in problems there with minors on Saturday evenings.
“Our primary concern lately has been with, you know, breach of peace incidents, fights, issues like that,” explained PFC Brianna MacDonald. “And we’re seeing most of them are with juveniles who are unaccompanied by an adult or a parent. For example, last weekend we had four calls on the evening shift—all breach of peace calls, one being a fight outside, and all of the parties involved were juveniles.”
MacDonald also said police responded to two fights at the mall two weekends ago and ended up arresting one minor.
The program will be in effect from 4 p.m. until closing on Saturdays. Minors are banned during that time unless they’re accompanied by a parent or adult over the age of 21. One adult can only supervise up to four kids.
“I think it’s a good idea. I’d rather not have to do that, but you’ve had so much trouble with teenagers,” said Katy Smith, of Bridgeport. Smith told News 12 she specifically doesn’t go to the mall alone at nights because of recent problems.
Shopper Dianeysi Zapata, of East Haven, also agreed with implanting the policy. Zapata said she hasn’t felt unsafe but has seen teens being “very loud or in the cafeteria sometimes doing things that you know, I would say, like as a mom, if I’m there, I would say, ‘Hey, stop!’”
“I went with my friend the other day and like people from school got in fights at the mall and had to be kicked out,” said 13-year-old Gianna Salvidar, of West Haven. Salvidar was torn on the policy because she likes going to the mall just with her friends but also acknowledged the change could prevent fights.
Mall officials said security will enforce the policy and check IDs. They have the right to kick people out who aren’t adhering to the rules.
Shoppers can also expect to see more police at the mall on Saturday evenings.
“Usually, we are hired extra duty just around the holidays, but for whatever reason, there has been an increase in issues at the mall, specifically on Saturday evenings, so they have hired us again on Saturdays. We’ll be there inside the mall as well as patrolling outside the mall,” MacDonald said. “If there are issues, like a fight, of course we’re going to intervene, and if an arrest needs to be made. But we’re not specifically enforcing their policies. We’re just there to enforce the law and make sure everyone is safe.”
