Unruly Behavior At The Mall In Columbia Prompts Leaders To Consider Youth Escort Policy

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Mall in Columbia will be working closely with the Howard County Police to diffuse unwelcome behavior from guests. The move stems from officers arresting individuals from a large group of "disorderly teens" last month and other incidents being reported by mall tenants and shoppers.

The Mall in Columbia has requested additional police patrols from the Howard County Police Department. A youth escort policy has been one idea proposed, too.

Mall workers and shoppers both filed complaints with mall management in November 2022 after witnessing a group of 20 to 30 teens engage in a brawl, fire Orbeez guns that shoot polymer gel beads at people and interfere with shoppers accessing stores by blocking entrances. The incidents typically have been happening on weekends and after school.

"I think it's a good idea, I think it will reduce crime and also reduce loud noises sometimes kids make while they are in the mall," shopper Dorsey Evans told WBAL.

"I would rather see more security. I mean young people want to date, do things and go to the movies; they need things to do, so if they don't have the opportunity to go places and do things, what are they going to do," shopper Terry Smith also shared with WBAL.

The Mall in Columbia told WBAL that the youth escort policy has not been implemented but only considered at this point in time. Ali Phillips, senior public relations and social media specialist for Brookfield Properties, the company that owns the mall, told The Baltimore Banner that they're listening to customers and tenants, and are working with police to increase safety at the mall.

A parent guidance program would require anyone age 17 and younger to have an adult present who is at least 21 years old.

“We try our hardest to do what we can, and we have implemented the [parental guidance program] at other centers, which has eliminated risk and enhanced the shopping experience for everyone,” Phillips told The Baltimore Banner.

In the meantime, Howard County Police has more officers conducting foot patrols and monitoring the mall and parking lots.