On Friday March 11, 2022, Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner, several commanding Officers of the Syracuse Police Department, and Destiny USA mall officials met to discuss recent incidents at the mall and ways to improve security on the property. The parties report the meeting was productive with both sides contributing information on ways to ensure both visitors and employees of Destiny USA have a safe shopping experience.
“With our current staffing levels in mind, the SPD will continue to encourage Officers to fill vacant shifts and also staff an exterior marked patrol unit to patrol the parking lots,” said Chief Buckner. “Like with any private property, security is ultimately the responsibility of the property owner, but SPD remains committed to working with Destiny USA to keep Destiny USA tenants, employees and guests safe.”
Destiny USA has made additional security enhancements, including the additional on-site presence of its global security provider, AUS, in addition to Syracuse Police Department and Onondaga County Probation resources.
“The Syracuse Police Department has done an outstanding job to assist with providing a safe and secure environment for employees, tenants and guests at Destiny USA,” said Stephen Congel, CEO of Pyramid Management Group, the mall’s owner. “Collectively, we will each do our part by investing additional resources into our security efforts as a result of national trends of rising crime.”
“What has occurred at Destiny USA is not unique to the mall. Syracuse and communities across the state and nation have been dealing with an increase in gun related crimes. It’s a societal challenge we must confront together,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “I appreciate Destiny working with Syracuse Police and other local law enforcement to take the right next steps to enhance security at the property, and I remain committed to working with all parties involved to make our community safer.”
