Former Providence Place Security Supervisor Criticizes Mall, Police for Handling of Incidents

Former Providence Place Security Supervisor Criticizes Mall, Police for Handling of Incidents

A former Providence Place security supervisor is speaking out over the handling of incidents at the mall, after a fight broke out last weekend and eight people were arrested. 

“I don’t miss my days working as the 3rd shift security supervisor at PPM,” wrote Kevin Perito on the video of the brawl on GoLocal’s Facebook page — and then shared his experience working at the mall. 

 

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One Supervisor’s Story

As GoLocal reported on Monday, over the past four weeks, Providence Police have responded to more than 40 calls to Providence Place Mall.

A video of one incident at the mall on Saturday night engaged half a dozen security officers. In less than a month, the Providence Place Mall has been the site for reports of multiple assaults, larcenies, disorderly conduct, and shoplifting.

SEE VIDEO HERE

“I worked at Providence Place Mall from 2014-2015,” said Perito. “At that time the Security company was Allied-Barton, I believe they changed security companies late 2015, early 2016. During my time there, there were 2 major scale fights between 2 groups of teens and 1 suicide attempt.

“When I was there, I believe we had enough people to keep the mall safe. The issue was lack of support from PPD even though we had several retired PPD officers on the security staff,” he said. 

“Prime example; another sergeant and myself had to use our pepper spray dealing with a group of 12 teens (one with a knife). Not only did the PPD officers that arrived seemed to be put off because the use of paper spray meant more paperwork, but they decided to reprimand us in front of the teens,” said Perito. 

Providence Police Major David Lapatin spoke with GoLocal about working with security at the mall.

“The relationship is fine,” said Lapatin. “[Former Providence Police Major Francisco] Colon is second in command [for mall security] and [Retired Sergeant Timothy] Patterson’s there as well. We have a good relationship.”

“Security guards all over the city are our eyes and ears to us. I’m sure there will be ones who might not like how we take over situations. But we’re the police,” said Lapatin. 

“As far as the use of pepper spray — if we don’t feel it’s neccessary, we’ll say something.  Security isn’t as trained as we are. But they still are at a job where there will come a time to defend [themselves],” he said. 

Perito said he had tried to explain his use of pepper spray at the time. 

“I tried to calmly explain to the officer that it was 12 against 2 and one of them was armed. He didn't want to hear it, and this was after they broke a window at Spencer's and also threw a trash can from 3rd floor to the 1st floor. Someone could've been seriously hurt but again, the officer didn't want to hear it,” he said.

 

Security in Question

“As for the mall being safer now than it was then, I'm skeptical about it because the reason why Allied Barton isn't there anymore is because PPM decided to go with a lower bid to save money,” said Perito. “It's a classic case of you get what you pay for scenario.”

A representative from Providence Place Mall refuted Perito’s statement. 

“The security vendor for Providence Place is Professional Security Consultants. While we never disclose details about our security programs and protocols, we can tell you that the comment from this source is false,” said Lindsay Kahn, Senior Manager of Public Relations for the Chicago-based Brookfield Properties, who owns Providence Place. 

“As we shared earlier, we are constantly reviewing and evaluating security measures at the shopping center,” said Kahn. 

READ: PPM’s Statement Following Fight HERE

Perito said he believed that the Providence Police and security needed to work closer together. 

“They need more police presence that actually supports the security team rather than treating them as a burden,” said Perito. “The only officer that is usually on scene is at Dave and Busters and that's because they pay for the detail — not the mall.”

Lapatin said that despite the recent episode, he believes the mall to be safe.

“How many times has this happened not very frequently. Look, it happens anywhere, anytime. If it happens frequently. If there’s a problem we’ll address it, but it’s safe,” said Lapatin. “My daughter goes there. I haven’t told her not to.”