Fayetteville mall set to implement teen escort policy

Fayetteville, N.C. — Beginning Friday, teens younger than 18 wanting to hang out at Cross Creek Mall on Friday and Saturday nights will have to be accompanied by a guardian who is at least 21.

Mall officials said the Youth Escort Policy was designed to curtail a rising number of youth hanging out at the mall and related disturbances occurring there on Friday and Saturday nights.

The policy was implemented after mall management received feedback from local government, business leaders and members of the community.

"I think it's a good idea. I have three children and I want to feel safe," said shopper Danna Aeschliman. "I'm not aware of any violent activity going on, but if there is and (the policy) curbs it, then I'm all for it."

Security guards will monitor the entrances of the mall after 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays to enforce the new policy. Teens who work at the mall will be allowed to work after 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, but will have to wear special identification.

Raleigh's Triangle Town Center implemented a similar policy in 2008 after 200 people participated in a gang-related brawl inside the mall.

"We believe the policy is in the best interest of all patrons," Cross Creek manager Matt Holligan said. "Shoppers have expressed concerns about the uncomfortable atmosphere Friday and Saturday nights due to the behavior of unsupervised youth."

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Sherlock, if a teen is seen without a parent, they are put in a special room and not allowed out until a parent arrives to get them. "They are in another part of the mall " doesnt cut it.

shortcake53
June 15, 2012 7:46 p.m.

this will not last that long as parents will just stop coming and that will effect the sales of the stores, also the teens will still come and when stopped just my parents are at another part of the mall.

Sherlock
June 15, 2012 6:23 p.m.

Maybe if PARENTS were a little more involved the local youth could be deterred. Its not the police depts job to raise your kids, YOU had them, YOU raise them.

shortcake53
June 15, 2012 5:31 p.m.

nice. don't hang out here at the mall. go do drugs in the alley instead. maybe if the local police were a little more involved in the local youth alot of this could be deterred

smegma
June 15, 2012 4:45 p.m.

Affirmative - "Yeah, but how likely are those military guys and gals between 18yr and 21 yr to be willing to be hassled just to enter the place."

I'm thinking they're use to showing their military ID and won't mind showing it again.

Iak Hsehpen
June 15, 2012 4:07 p.m.