Staten Island mall adds gun-sniffing K-9 security team
Staten Island NY April 8 2021 The Staten Island Mall in New Springville has beefed up its security presence with a highly trained gun-sniffing canine named Bolo.
The German Shepherd is being provided through the Mall’s parent company Brookfield Properties, which utilizes security partner Allied Universal Security Services.
The K9 team is now on duty and patrolling the mall during unspecified hours trying to prevent violent crimes and detect firearms on mall property.
Bolo will patrol the Mall with a security officer to deter the possession of firearms, and quickly and safely resolve any detections.
“We did not launch this because there was a problem, but because it is a good, proactive program,” said Jim Easley, senior general manager of the Staten Island Mall.
“We welcome millions of guests a year, and the Staten Island Mall provides for thousands of retail associate jobs. We are proud to be a hub for the community, and it is a privilege that we take seriously. The well-being of our guests, tenants and employees is paramount. We are constantly evolving our security protocols, and the new canine weapon detection program is an added safety measure to offer extra comfort to our shopping center community,” he added.
While Bolo has a friendly demeanor, Easley said stopping to pet the dog is being discouraged, as he’s “always working” while on duty at the Mall.
The extra security measure, which has been initiated at many other Brookfield Properties, is to uphold the Mall’s code of conduct, which strictly prohibits firearms.
