84. Mall Cops
84. Mall Cops  
Podcast: The Economics of Everyday Things
Published On: Mon Mar 17 2025
Description: Security guards make malls feel safer, but what can they do when there’s trouble? Zachary Crockett observes and reports. SOURCES:Gus Parsons, mall cop in the San Diego area.David Levenberg, owner of Center Security Services. RESOURCES:"Mall of America's security team will start using facial recognition software as part of safety plan," by Derek James (CBS News, 2024)."The Problems Inside North America’s Largest Security Firm—and Third-Biggest Employer," by Alana Semuels (Time, 2023)."Malls Work on Their Security, but Keep It in the Background," by Ronda Kaysen (New York Times, 2013).Center Security Services. EXTRAS:"NYPD subway robot, Knightscope, gets sacked after two-month pilot program," by Vineet Josan (The Ticker, 2024)."The State of the American Mall," by Sapna Maheshwari (New York Times, 2021).