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Podcasts > This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von > E518 A Mall Cop

E518 A Mall Cop

By Theo Von

In this episode of the podcast This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, the host and Gus Parsons, a former mall security guard, explore the unvarnished realities of the job. Parsons sheds light on the diverse personalities and backgrounds of "mall cops," from those seeking an authoritative image to those simply working a routine gig.

The conversation delves into the daily duties and challenges of mall security, including encounters with theft, protests, inappropriate behavior, and lost children—tasks for which many guards lack formal training. Parsons also offers insights into the changing landscape of malls, reflecting on their decline in recent decades and a nostalgic remembrance of their bustling, lively past. With humor and candor, this episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at an oft-overlooked profession and the evolution of a once-thriving social hub.

E518 A Mall Cop

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jul 23, 2024 episode of the This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

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E518 A Mall Cop

1-Page Summary

The Journey and Experiences of Being a Mall Security Guard

Gus Parsons' Path and the Lack of Formal Training

Gus Parsons, a former mall cop, found the job more demanding than expected, often involving tasks like chasing down individuals - a challenge he enjoyed despite initial misconceptions. Many mall security guards lack formal training, with some even using Segways due to physical limitations.

The Diverse Types of Mall Cops

Parsons highlights the varied personalities among mall cops: "pant booters" aiming for a police-like appearance; "thug dudes" who are laid-back, sometimes engaging in illicit activities; and "average Joes" simply working a routine job.

The Daily Duties, Challenges, and Incidents

Monitoring Theft and Other Crimes

Mall cops like Parsons prepare for long shifts, especially during holidays, dealing with theft, altercations, and apprehending shoplifters. Parsons shares experiences like receiving "most wanted" lists, going undercover, conducting citizen's arrests, and frustrations with limitations on intervention.

Dealing with Protests and Confrontations

Parsons and other mall cops respond to disturbances like protests, abusive behavior, and confrontations, often limited in their ability to directly intervene or touch individuals.

Encountering Sexual and Lewd Behavior

Mall cops encounter various inappropriate behaviors, from sexual acts in public areas to incidents like a "pervy dude" sniffing tried-on panties, as Parsons describes.

Responding to Lost or Missing Children

A commonplace scenario involves locating lost children who wander off while their parents are shopping, often resolved quickly through PA announcements.

The Changing Landscape and Culture of Malls

The Decline of Malls and Customer Behavior Shift

Parsons observed a significant decline in mall traffic and liveliness about 10-15 years ago, with movie theaters struggling and more direct purchasing replacing social activities.

Nostalgia for the "Golden Era" of Malls

Both Parsons and Theo Von reminisce about the bustling malls of the past, with holiday excitement, social gatherings, and fondly remembered stores like Sharper Image and Disney Store. Parsons expresses particular fondness for the food court atmosphere.

The Changing Role of Mall Cops

With theft a primary concern, there are implications that mall cops have limited abilities to intervene and are socially/professionally divided from police, suggesting their role has become more restricted in the current mall culture.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • "Pant booters," "thug dudes," and "average Joes" are informal terms used to categorize different types of mall security guards based on their behaviors and attitudes on the job. "Pant booters" are guards who try to emulate a police officer's appearance, taking their role very seriously. "Thug dudes" are more laid-back guards who may not adhere strictly to the rules and may engage in activities considered questionable. "Average Joes" are guards who approach their job in a more routine and straightforward manner, without any extreme behaviors or attitudes.
  • A citizen's arrest is when a regular person detains someone they believe has committed a crime. This action is based on common law principles and allows individuals to assist in law enforcement. However, there are legal risks involved, such as potential lawsuits if the arrest is deemed wrongful or violates the suspect's rights. The extent of liability varies by jurisdiction, and individuals must act within the law when making such arrests.
  • Mall cops often have limitations on their intervention abilities due to their roles being more focused on observation and reporting incidents rather than actively engaging in physical altercations or arrests like traditional law enforcement officers. These limitations can stem from legal constraints, company policies, and training that prioritize de-escalation and non-confrontational approaches to maintaining security within the mall environment. The primary goal is typically to ensure the safety of patrons and property while avoiding unnecessary risks or escalating situations that could lead to harm or liability issues for the mall and its security personnel. These restrictions can sometimes result in challenges for mall cops when faced with more serious or volatile incidents that require immediate and decisive action.
  • The decline in mall traffic and liveliness can be attributed to various factors such as the rise of online shopping, changing consumer preferences, and economic shifts impacting traditional retail spaces. This decline has led to challenges for malls, including decreased foot traffic, lower sales for stores, and the need to adapt to new trends to stay relevant in the retail landscape. As a result, many malls have faced closures or have had to undergo significant transformations to attract customers and remain profitable in a changing market. The shift in customer behavior towards more convenient and diverse shopping options has contributed to the changing dynamics within malls, impacting their overall vibrancy and appeal to shoppers.
  • Mall cops often have restrictions on their authority and intervention capabilities, meaning they may not have the same powers as traditional law enforcement officers. This limitation can impact their ability to handle certain situations effectively, such as dealing with confrontations or criminal activities beyond a certain extent. It's important to note that mall cops are typically trained to prioritize de-escalation and observation rather than direct physical intervention. These restrictions are in place to maintain safety and security within the mall environment while respecting legal boundaries.

Counterarguments

  • While Gus Parsons found the job demanding, others might find it aligns well with their expectations or skill sets.
  • The lack of formal training for mall security guards could be seen as an opportunity for on-the-job learning or a reflection of the job's practical nature.
  • The use of Segways by some mall security guards might be a practical adaptation to enhance mobility and efficiency, rather than a sign of physical limitation.
  • The categorization of mall cops into "pant booters," "thug dudes," and "average Joes" might oversimplify the diversity and individuality of the security staff.
  • Long shifts and dealing with theft and altercations might be part of the job description that security guards are prepared for and compensated accordingly.
  • The reception of "most wanted" lists and conducting citizen's arrests could be seen as empowering mall cops to play an active role in community safety.
  • The limited ability of mall cops to intervene in protests and confrontations might be a necessary boundary to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
  • Encountering sexual and lewd behavior could be an unfortunate aspect of any public-facing job, not unique to mall security.
  • Responding to lost or missing children is a sensitive duty that can be seen as a rewarding aspect of the job, emphasizing the security guards' role in ensuring public safety.
  • The decline in mall traffic and liveliness could be attributed to broader economic and social trends rather than the performance or presence of mall security.
  • Nostalgia for the "Golden Era" of malls might overlook the benefits of the current evolution in retail, such as the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer preferences.
  • The perceived restriction in the role of mall cops could be a reflection of evolving security practices and legal considerations, aiming to balance effective enforcement with civil liberties.

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E518 A Mall Cop

The journey and experiences of being a mall security guard

Gus Parsons' path to becoming a mall cop

Gus Parsons, former security personnel, transitioned to the role of a mall cop, expecting an easy full-time position. Surprisingly, the job proved more demanding than anticipated, challenging him with unexpected tasks such as chasing down individuals—a task he admits to finding enjoyable despite the initial misconception about the role's ease.

The lack of formal training for mall cops

The training regimen for mall security guards often lacks formal structure, leaving many guards with minimal instruction for their duties. Some security guards, unable to meet certain physical requirements, are even provided with Segways as a mobility aid to assist them in patrolling the vast expanses of malls.

The diverse types of mall cops

Gus Parsons remarks on the varied personalities that make up mall security. He describes the "pant booters," those who aim for a police-like appearance yet fall short of becoming actual officers, often identified by their combat ...

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The journey and experiences of being a mall security guard

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • A "mall cop" is a colloquial term for a security guard who works in a shopping mall. They are responsible for maintaining safety and order within the mall premises. The term is often used informally and sometimes carries a stereotype of being less authoritative than traditional law enforcement officers. The job of a mall cop can involve various tasks, including patrolling the mall, responding to incidents, and interacting with visitors.
  • Mall security guards often receive minimal formal training, leading to gaps in their preparedness for the job. This lack of structured training can result in guards feeling unprepared for the various tasks and challenges they may face while on duty. Some guards may be provided with alternative tools like Segways to aid in their patrols due to physical limitations. The absence of comprehensive training programs can impact the effectiveness and efficiency of mall security operations.
  • Segways are sometimes provided to security guards who may have difficulty meeting physical requirements for patrolling large mall areas. These self-balancing electric vehicles assist guards in moving around efficiently and covering extensive ground during their shifts. The use of Segways as mobility aids helps enhance the effectiveness and r ...

Counterarguments

  • The expectation of an easy full-time position as a mall cop may be subjective and not reflect the experiences of all individuals in this role.
  • The assertion that the job is more demanding than anticipated could be countered by the argument that any job can present unexpected challenges, and it is not unique to mall security.
  • The lack of formal training for mall security guards might be overstated, as some malls may have comprehensive training programs in place.
  • The provision of Segways to security guards with physical limitations could be seen as a positive accommodation rather than a deficiency in the system.
  • The categorization of mall security guards into specific personality types might oversimplify the diversity and complexity of individuals in these roles.
  • The description of "thug dudes" as laid-back and po ...

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For years, police officers arrested Earl Sampson for trespassing in a store that he worked for. Despite interjection from the store’s owner, the police arrested Earl on the charge approximately 60 times over the course of three years.

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E518 A Mall Cop

The daily duties, challenges, and incidents faced by mall cops

Mall security guards, like Gus Parsons, prepare for various challenges and duties during their shifts. Gus shares his experiences dealing with theft, protests, lewd behavior, and missing children within the crowded and unpredictable environment of a shopping mall.

Monitoring and responding to theft and other crimes in the mall

During Black Friday, mall cops like Gus Parsons brace themselves for an 18-hour day, anticipating altercations and managing physical confrontations over discounted items. Gus describes receiving a "mall's most wanted" list of suspected thieves and shares a scenario where anticipation builds upon being alerted about known perpetrators like the "wet bandits." He also illustrates a time when he went undercover without a security shirt to blend in and apprehend shoplifters, recounting his first encounter with directly apprehending someone as one of his best moments. Afterward, he conducted a citizen's arrest with zip ties until police arrived. On other occasions, Gus mentions limitations in his ability to intervene with thefts, such as not being able to chase or touch shoplifters. He also indicates frustration with managing incidents like catching the "clone bandit" and having to wait a long time for police to arrive once a thief is apprehended. Even when police take the shoplifter into custody, there are no "fireworks" or dramatic conclusions. Gus points out that a lot of stealing occurs in the mall, leading to other crimes such as vandalism and fights.

Dealing with protests and confrontations

Mall cops like Gus are also tasked with managing protests and confrontations. He describes attending to reports of disturbances, such as an abusive boyfriend, and recalls forgetting to respond promptly due to being high in the parking lot. Another task involves checking in at different stores, and during theft incidents, Gus and his "thug dudes" are alerted to act within their limited capacity, which does not include touching thieves. There's mention of a past incident where Gus instinctively threw his baton at a suspect. Regarding protests, Gus shares an account of maintaining a barrier against fur protesters and restraining himself from violent reactions due to current societal expectations.

Encountering sexual and lewd behavior

Sexual acts are another issu ...

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The daily duties, challenges, and incidents faced by mall cops

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The term "wet bandits" is a reference to characters from the movie "Home Alone," where burglars leave water running in homes they rob. The "clone bandit" may be a reference to a criminal who mimics the methods or appearance of another known criminal. These terms are used in the text to describe suspected thieves in the mall security context.
  • "Thug dudes" is a colloquial term used by the mall cop to describe his colleagues or fellow security personnel. It is a casual and possibly self-deprecating way to reference the group of security officers he works with.

"Pervy dude" is a slang term used to describe an individual exhibiting lewd or sexually inappropriate behavior. In this context, it is used by the mall cop to recount an encounter with someone engaging in inappropriate actions within the mall premises.

  • Gus throwing his baton at a suspect is ...

Counterarguments

  • Mall cops' duties are not always as action-packed as described; much of their time may be spent on routine patrols and surveillance, which can be monotonous.
  • The effectiveness of undercover operations by mall security may not be as high as suggested, and there could be legal and safety concerns with such approaches.
  • The portrayal of "mall's most wanted" lists could be exaggerated, as such lists may not be a common practice in all malls or may not be as dramatic as depicted.
  • The notion that mall cops cannot chase or touch shoplifters may not be entirely accurate, as policies can vary by location and situation.
  • The frustration with police response times may not reflect the complexities and priorities of law enforcement, which must balance a wide range of emergency calls.
  • The description of handling protests might oversimplify the training and protocols that mall security must follow in such situations.
  • The encounters with lewd behavior might not be as frequent as suggested, and such incidents may be handled discreetly to maintain a family-friendly environment.
  • The implication that mall cops form relations ...

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E518 A Mall Cop

The changing landscape and culture of malls over time

Gus Parsons and Theo Von explore the decline of malls and the resulting shift in customer behavior, the nostalgia for the "golden era" of malls, and how the role of mall cops has adapted to these changes.

The decline of malls and the shift in customer behavior

Parsons observed a significant decline in mall traffic about 10 to 15 years ago, noting that the malls were no longer packed or fun, and the movie theaters, once a hub, started dying out. He noticed empty stores being replaced by phone shops or expanded stores like Apple and mentioned that people now visit malls for direct purchases rather than social activities.

The nostalgia for the "golden era" of malls

Parsons reminisces about the bustling malls during holidays, with lively music and people mingling. He misses the traditional Black Fridays with overnight queues and palpable excitement. Both Parsons and Von recall the social aspects of malls, such as making wishes in fountains and visiting stores like Sharper Image, which they describe humorously as the birthplace of Elon Musk and "the jam" for its unique products. Fond memories of shops like KB Toy Store, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Bath and Body Works are shared, along with the original Disney Stores and their welcoming atmosphere.

Von shares a memory of going to a mall in Slidell, Louisiana, where they would camp out and the mall even hosted church services. Parsons expresses particular fondness for mall food courts, singling out Sbarro’s for its "good and bready" pizza. They discuss the conve ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
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The changing landscape and culture of malls over time

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While Parsons observed a decline in mall traffic, this trend may not be universal; some malls have successfully reinvented themselves as entertainment or lifestyle centers, attracting new visitors.
  • The shift to direct purchases over social activities in malls could be seen as an evolution rather than a decline, reflecting changes in consumer preferences and the rise of online shopping.
  • Nostalgia for the "golden era" of malls may overlook the benefits of modern malls, such as improved amenities, more diverse retail options, and technological advancements.
  • The decline of traditional Black Fridays could be attributed to the rise of online shopping and extended sales periods, which some may argue is more convenient and less chaotic for consumers.
  • While fond memories of certain stores are valid, the retail landscape is dynamic, and new stores can create their own legacies and fond memories for younger generations.
  • The memory of malls hosting church services and community events could be seen as an example of how malls can still serve as community hubs in different ways today.
  • The preference for mall food courts and specific outlets like Sbarro's is subjective, and others may prefer the new food options or healthier alternatives now available.
  • The r ...

Actionables

  • Create a personal nostalgia tour by visiting local malls and documenting changes. Take photos of the current state of the malls you used to frequent, compare them with old photos if available, and write down your memories associated with different spots. This can be a personal project or shared with friends and family who share the same memories, fostering a sense of connection and history.
  • Organize a themed mall scavenger hunt that focuses on the social aspects of mall culture. Invite friends or family to participate in a scavenger hunt that includes tasks like finding a product from a nostalgic store, taking a selfie with a mall cop, or enjoying a slice of pizza at the food court. This can help recreate the social atmosphere of malls from the past while making new memories.
  • Start a conversation with mall ...

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