Improving Security

Mall owners finally are taking steps to improve security at their properties. Mall security personnel are starting to undertake training on how to spot potential terrorists and to respond to chemical and biological attacks.

You see, the fidgety guy in the heavy coat fits the profile of a suicide bomber, according to the training program developed by George Washington University's Homeland Security Policy Institute. The training also teaches guards about terrorist groups, types of attacks and how they can help police and emergency workers in the event of an incident.

"These security professionals will have the same basic foundation of awareness as the police, firefighters and EMS," said Paul M. Maniscalco, the principal investigator and senior research scientist for the project. "It's necessary because malls and shopping centers really are today's modern-day town squares."