Mall cop

For the film, see Paul Blart: Mall Cop.

A mall cop, also referred to as mall security, is a private shopping mall security officer charged with enforcing the rules and protecting the building, like a police force would for a government. They are sometimes referred to (normally in a derogative manner) as "rent-a-cop". Mall of America has America's largest shopping mall security.

As with any large retail establishment, malls have a security group. Although the phrase "mall cop" is sometimes used to describe mall security, they tend to be private security agents (who, unless they are also peace officers, do not retain police power or the ability of arrest), and are often outsourced to an agency that specializes in retail security. Depending on jurisdiction, security agents found in malls may or may not retain certain rights (typically those related to the laws likely to be violated in a mall situation); often, mall security will maintain a relationship with the local police force. This may involve providing evidence to be used in prosecution, assisting in detention (although subject to local laws), or even the observation of a suspect.

Mall security tend to be strictly guided by local laws and ordinances; they are generally not charged with engaging in "dangerous" situations. This may extend to official policy requiring private security to acquiesce in the case of robbery; typically, the overall policy of the mall management is to maintain safety at all costs, and any sort of violence may be considered more damaging than money lost to robbery.

See also

• Paul Blart: Mall Cop - an action comedy film starring Kevin James who plays a mall cop.
• Mall Cops: Mall of America - a 2010 reality television show that follows the work of the security team at the Mall of America.
• Private police
• Security guard
• Mall of America
• Watchman (law enforcement)
• IPC International
• AlliedBarton
• Valor Security Services