Cheektowaga, N.Y. (WBEN) - As the winter break starts for schools across the region, one area shopping center is expanding its parental escort policy for the next week in an effort to avoid disturbances amongst the youth.
Cheektowaga Police Cpt. Jeffrey Schmidt says the mall has been a good partner of the department for years in efforts to maintain a safe and secure shopping environment.
"In this winter break period, we end up with these large groups of unsupervised juveniles. And when that happens, even though most of the kids are good, a few bad actors kind of can turn the crowd and create a dangerous environment for all of the shoppers," explained Cpt. Schmidt in an interview with WBEN.
That's why the mall is extending its parental escort policy to 17-and-younger being accompanied by a parent or guardian each day, starting at 1 p.m. EST through Jan. 3.
Each parent or guardian can supervise up to five teens.
Cpt. Schmidt says this is a very effective policy.
"What it really does is it says we need help making sure that these young persons behave themselves when we have these large groups of unsupervised youth, unfortunately, things can get out of control," he said.
While fights and other tumultuous activities do happen, it's less likely to happen with a parent nearby.
"Think about it: If you were at the mall and you were there with three of your buddies, and you saw somebody from another school, well, maybe you're going to show off for your buddies and start yelling some nasty things or even get into a fight, but if you're there with your parents, you're certainly not going to do that same behavior," Cpt. Schmidt noted.
Reaction to the extended policy has generally been good, according to Cpt. Schmidt.
"The big part of this that can be problematic, where we get a negative reaction, is when the word isn't spread. That's part of what I'm trying to do right now, is letting people know, letting parents know, because otherwise they end up sending their kids to the mall without knowing this policy exists," Cpt. Schmidt said.
Normally, the mall's parental escort policy requires 17-and-younger to be accompanied by a parent or guardian 21-or-older on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 4 p.m. EST.