This paper presents a security survey of Bay Street Mall in Emeryville, California, a large mixed-use complex housing over 60 retail stores, restaurants, a movie theater, a hotel, and residential units. The paper identifies key physical security vulnerabilities — including the absence of bollards, unprotected service areas, and inadequate perimeter controls — and evaluates the mall's existing resources such as CCTV systems, staff training programs, and written emergency procedures. It also critiques the mall's strengths, including vehicle inspection protocols and behavioral profiling, alongside notable weaknesses such as poor coordination with first responders and limited communication between mall security and anchor-store personnel.
Bay Street Mall is situated in Emeryville, California. It can be described as a mega mall, comprising over 60 retail stores, 10 cafes and restaurants, a major movie theater, a large hotel with more than 200 rooms, and several residential units. Other amenities within the mall include telecommunication services, foreign exchange bureaus, and children's play areas. The complex is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week, including weekends and public holidays. The objective of this paper is to conduct a security survey of the mall, identify the key security concerns facing this facility, and assess its resources and plans for withstanding any emergency that may occur.
Following a survey of the mall, a number of key security concerns were identified. From a physical security standpoint, the buildings within the vicinity have notable vulnerabilities, including the service areas, the outer perimeter of the mall, the pavements, and the pedestrian entrances. One significant issue is that the landscaping of Bay Street Mall does not reduce the potential speed of incoming vehicles. Studies indicate that terrorist attacks on malls have most commonly involved explosives, yet the mall lacks static bollards, which are designed to prevent such incidents. An area protected by bollards provides a blast stand-off distance in the event of an explosion near the complex and prevents vehicles from ramming into the building's structure. Without this protection, a vehicle approaching the perimeter at high speed could enter the building and, if carrying explosives, cause serious injury and harm.
The mall's service and delivery areas also present a significant security risk. Because they are located underground, an explosion beneath the buildings could have severe consequences. Due to the absence of barriers, the existing perimeter cannot reliably deter unauthorized vehicles, screen planned deliveries, or enable the verification of vehicles entering the site.1
Bay Street Mall does have plans and resources in place to support its ability to manage emergencies. Among its key resources are ongoing personnel training programs. The mall plans to continue providing its security staff with antiterrorism training and has contracted a state security company to deliver organizational programs ensuring that security personnel are well prepared to respond to emergency situations. Staff are comprehensively trained by specialists in areas such as identifying potential terrorists, recognizing suspicious packages, securing the area following an attack, and coordinating with first responders.2
Another important resource is the mall's closed-circuit television (CCTV) system. These cameras are used throughout the facility both to deter potential threats and to maintain situational awareness. The mall has installed sophisticated systems that are monitored continuously and record events occurring within the mall, enabling security personnel to review footage after an incident. This real-time monitoring helps prevent potential attacks. Additionally, the interior of the mall has been fitted with air decontamination technology designed to purify the air in the event of smoke or other harmful pollutants.
The mall has also established written emergency plans that outline the steps to be taken in the event of a threat or an actual emergency. Procedures following a threat include restricting access to critical areas, increasing the presence of security personnel, and maintaining close watch over parking areas and entrances. In the event of an actual emergency — such as a gas leak, fire, or suspected bombing — defined procedures cover evacuations, crisis communications, basic first aid and triage, and the handling of lost children and unattended property. Additional procedures specify how to contact emergency services, communicate with designated emergency management personnel such as the security manager, provide first aid to injured individuals, ensure people evacuate the mall, and seal off specific sections of the building. Evacuation routes have been clearly marked throughout the facility.3
"Vehicle inspection and behavioral profiling strengths"
"Communication gaps with first responders and anchor stores"
Bay Street Mall demonstrates meaningful investment in security infrastructure, including CCTV systems, staff training, and written emergency procedures. Its vehicle management and behavioral profiling practices reflect genuine attention to the terrorism threat. However, critical gaps remain — particularly the absence of bollards at the perimeter, the vulnerability of underground service areas, and the lack of structured communication protocols with first responders and anchor-store security teams. Addressing these weaknesses would substantially improve the mall's overall preparedness and resilience in the face of emergencies.
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