Off-Duty Officers Secure Malls Year-Round

CHARLOTTE, NC — Armed and uniformed off-duty police officers providing extra security at malls, big games and other large events around Charlotte are nothing new.

Veteran CMPD Det. Gary McFadden says Northlake Mall uses off-duty officers year-round to help keep shoppers safe.

“It has always had off-duty officers there year-round,” said McFadden. “So that is something that, three or four officers work there a day and just supplement security of the mall.”

We spoke to a security expert who says the active shooter training that officers go through probably played a big part in the response to Thursday’s shooting.

CMPD officers, Charlotte Fire and MEDIC quickly worked together to evacuate the mall and help anyone who was injured. But security professionals say that everyone should be mentally prepared for this type of scenario.

“Put yourself in the position of a shopper at the mall today,” said security expert Chauncy Bowers. “This highlights the importance of being aware of your surroundings, understanding if something were to occur, how am I going to get out of the mall, where can I go in the mall to protect myself from some dangers?”

For our previous report on the shooting at Northlake Mall, click here.

WCCB Charlotte will keep you updated as this story develops. Check our homepage for the latest.