Rockaway Townsquare Set to Lose Full-Time Beat Cops

On the heels of the fatal shooting of Hoboken attorney Dustin Friedland during a carjacking at The Mall at Short Hills in Millburn comes word that as of the start of 2014—and for the first time in 25 years—Rockaway Townsquare mall will not have a full-time police presence, NJ.com reported.

Dec. 31 marks the expiration date for the contract between area police and Simon Property Group, which owns and operates the Townsquare and Short Hills malls and other New Jersey shopping centers. Mayor Michael Dachisen said the agreement's end kills a program that kept the Rockaway complex "probably the safest mall in the state," the article said.

In a statement the mayor cited that the change was Simon Malls' decision. He accused the company of appearing "more concerned about corporate profits then public safety" and said, "I wouldn't send my wife to shop alone there." 

In a statement released late Wednesday, Simon Malls asserted Townsquare would continue to be "safe and secure" and that the decision was about cutting costs—in 2012, according to the article, the mall spent about $635,000 to cover police salaries. Officials said that starting in January, security will be handled by one police officer augmented by private security guards.

What do you think? Do you believe Simon Property Group's decision will be a good one for Rockaway Townsquare or will it make a day at the mall more dangerous? Do you feel safe shopping there without a constant police presence? Please share your thoughts in the comments.