PROVIDENCE – The Providence Place mall is u
pdating its code of conduct with several new security measures, including requiring teens under 18 to be accompanied by an adult after 5 p.m.
The mall, which went into receivership last year after the former owners defaulted on a $259 million debt owed to its creditor, announced the rule Monday in a "broader effort to revitalize [the mall], attract new tenants and enhance the overall visitor experience," according to receiver John Dorsey.
“The safety and well-being of our community are our top priorities. These extra safety measures and improvements reflect our dedication to creating a secure and welcoming environment for everyone who visits and works at the mall,” Dorsey said. "We are committed to transparency and will continue to engage with our patrons, tenants and the community as we implement these enhancements. Our goal is to restore and instill confidence in Providence Place as a safe and vibrant destination."
The biggest change to the mall's security measures is the mall's Youth Guidance Program, which states "youths under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by and always remain with a parent or supervising adult [21+] after 5:00 p.m. daily."
The rule went into effect March 24 and
specifically applies to the shopping center’s common areas, according to Dorsey, who added that shoppers should check with the mall's stores, restaurants and retailers regarding their individual policies when it comes to unsupervised youths.
Dorsey said that security personnel will be working in the coming weeks to educate and inform visiting youth around the new policy.
Several malls across the country, including New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Pittsburgh and Los Angeles, have implemented similar youth-supervision policies. The policy comes amidst concerns over youth-driven crime at Providence Place.
In January, police reported that multiple teenagers were arrested following an assault and robbery at the mall's skybridge. Another group of juveniles is accused of robbing a man of his iPhone just a month prior.
The mall's new security measures will include increased security foot patrols and upgraded security cameras for the skybridge.
Meanwhile, Dorsey in a news release said that the mall will be collaborating with the Providence Police Department’s Special Response Team to address trespassing issues. "Trespassers are being prosecuted to the fullest extent, ensuring a secure environment for all," he said.
The mall will see increased hours for security personnel, and t
he receivership has also just issued a Request for Proposals to select a top-tier security service provider.
Surveillance cameras are similarly being replaced and upgraded to improve capabilities, according to Dorsey.
A comprehensive security audit is also being conducted by an independent, third-party firm.
As for the mall's parking garage,
repairs are anticipated to be completed this spring. Sections of the parking garage were previously closed for planned parking repairs. However, prior to the receivership of the mall, those repairs were paused.
The receivership has moved forward with garage upgrades and improvements, including the removal and replacement parking gates and payment kiosks. A contract for new parking management services will be in place later this year.
The mall
is also implementing the rest of its updated code of conduct this month. These updates will be "prominently displayed throughout the mall and communicated to all patrons to promote a respectful and safe environment," Dorsey states. The 13 new code of conduct updates include rules regarding offensive and disruptive behavior and smoking/vaping.
Dorsey could not immediately be reached for comment.
Matthew McNulty is a PBN staff writer. He can be reached at McNulty@PBN.com or on X at @MattMcNultyNYC.
