Summary of Podcast Episode 84: "Mall Cops"

The Economics of Everyday Things
Host: Zachary Crockett
Guest: Gus Parsons, Veteran Mall Cop
Release Date: March 17, 2025
Produced by: Freakonomics Network & Zachary Crockett

1. Introduction to Mall Cops

In this episode, journalist Zachary Crockett delves into the world of mall security, exploring the role and significance of mall cops within America's retail landscape. Malls, often seen as the epitome of capitalism and consumerism, are not just centers for shopping and entertainment but also hubs where a wide spectrum of human behavior unfolds. Ensuring safety and order in these bustling environments necessitates the presence of mall security personnel.

2. Interview with Veteran Mall Cop: Gus Parsons

Crockett speaks with Gus Parsons, a seasoned mall security officer with two decades of experience in San Diego's shopping centers. Parsons provides an insider's perspective on the daily life of a mall cop, highlighting both the mundane and unexpected aspects of the job.

Notable Quote:
"If you ever met me, I'm five'eleven, $300, you know, bald headed, 40. I'm not approachable by any means."
— Gus Parsons [01:37]

3. The Private Security Industry and Economics

Private security is a massive industry in the United States, with approximately 1.2 million security officers nationwide and a market valuation of $48 billion. Mall security constitutes a portion of this sector, where companies like Allied Universal dominate, employing tens of thousands and managing security operations across numerous malls.

Notable Quote:
"There are 1.2 million of them in the United States, more than all police forces combined. Private security is a $48 billion industry in the United States."
— Zachary Crockett [02:17]

Mall owners typically outsource security to these firms, which charge retailers a markup over the guards' wages. This cost is then passed on to the retailers, ranging from $3 to $10 per square foot, depending on the mall's size, location, and crime rates.

4. Roles and Responsibilities of Mall Cops

Mall security officers perform a variety of duties aimed at maintaining a safe and pleasant environment for shoppers. Their responsibilities include:

• Customer Service: Assisting shoppers with directions, lost items, and general inquiries.
• Monitoring: Keeping an eye on parking lots, security cameras, and common areas.
• Enforcement: Upholding the mall's code of conduct, such as managing unruly behavior or minor disturbances.
• Reporting: Documenting daily activities and incidents through detailed reports.

Notable Quote:
"Their function is to patrol what's called a common area. Those concourses between the stores in a mall and the parking lots or parking garages. And they're a visible presence to try to deter disruptive or criminal behavior."
— David Levenberg [05:58]

5. Limitations and Challenges Faced by Mall Cops

Despite their visible presence, mall cops often operate with limited authority compared to traditional law enforcement. They typically do not possess police powers, restricting their ability to intervene directly in criminal activities. Instead, their role is primarily observational, gathering information and relaying it to the police when necessary.

Notable Quote:
"You're not allowed to do any hands on. You're not a law enforcement type person. You basically just observe and report."
— Gus Parsons [02:52]

This limitation stems from both legal restrictions and liability concerns faced by security firms, which have led to a cautious approach in mall security operations to avoid incidents like false arrests or excessive force.

6. Technology in Mall Security

Modern malls employ a range of technological solutions to aid security operations. These include:

• Surveillance Cameras: Extensive coverage of mall premises to monitor activity.
• Facial Recognition: Enhancing the ability to identify known offenders or suspicious individuals.
• License Plate Scanning: Managing parking security and tracking vehicles.
• Autonomous Security Robots: Though still experimental, robots like Knightscope units offer supplementary surveillance capabilities.

Notable Quote:
"Today's malls are retrofitted with hundreds of cameras. And there's usually a control room somewhere in the bowels of the building where an operator is watching live footage on dozens of split screen monitors."
— Zachary Crockett [19:05]

7. Cultural Perception and Impact

The portrayal of mall cops in media has significantly influenced public perception. The 2009 comedy film Paul Blart: Mall Cop, featuring an overweight and bumbling security guard, has left a lasting impression, often leading to ridicule and underestimation of real-life mall security officers.

Notable Quote:
"We were more of a target after that. Now they can take all these jokes out of the movie. And because I'm a bigger guy, I knew that I was going to be called Paul Blair."
— Gus Parsons [20:45]

This cultural stereotype exacerbates the challenges faced by mall cops, making them targets for mockery and undermining their authority in the eyes of some mall patrons.

8. Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

Parsons shares various experiences from his tenure, illustrating the diverse and often unexpected nature of mall security work. From dealing with high-end shoplifters to managing non-threatening yet disruptive behavior, the job requires adaptability and resilience.

Notable Quote:
"I've seen the most clean-cut mom like you think she was on the PTA...and she's like, bye, thank you for this $20,000 purse."
— Gus Parsons [16:59]

Despite the challenges, Parsons finds value in the role, citing financial stability and mall discounts as perks that compensate for the job's demands.

9. Conclusion and Insights

The episode underscores the complex economics behind mall security, balancing costs, responsibilities, and the limitations imposed on private security personnel. While mall cops play a crucial role in deterring and managing incidents within shopping centers, their effectiveness is constrained by legal and structural boundaries. Advances in technology offer new tools for enhancing security, but the human element remains indispensable.

Parsons' reflections highlight the personal dimension of mall security work—navigating public perceptions, maintaining professionalism, and adapting to evolving challenges. Overall, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of the multifaceted world of mall cops, shedding light on an often-overlooked aspect of everyday life.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• "If you ever met me, I'm five'eleven, $300, you know, bald headed, 40. I'm not approachable by any means." — Gus Parsons [01:37]
• "There are 1.2 million of them in the United States, more than all police forces combined. Private security is a $48 billion industry in the United States." — Zachary Crockett [02:17]
• "Their function is to patrol what's called a common area..." — David Levenberg [05:58]
• "You're not allowed to do any hands on..." — Gus Parsons [02:52]
• "Today's malls are retrofitted with hundreds of cameras..." — Zachary Crockett [19:05]
• "We were more of a target after that..." — Gus Parsons [20:45]
• "I've seen the most clean-cut mom like you think she was on the PTA..." — Gus Parsons [16:59]

This episode of The Economics of Everyday Things provides an insightful exploration into the economics and realities of mall security, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the challenges and dynamics faced by those who work behind the scenes to maintain safety in America's malls.