Mayfair Mall Implements Gun-Sniffing Dogs To Detect Weapons

WAUWATOSA, WI—Gun-sniffing dogs will be patrolling Mayfair Mall to find weapons, the mall announced Wednesday.

The launch of the Vapor Wake Public Safety Canine Detection Program (VWK9) was announced in a news release. Specially trained canines will patrol the shopping center to detect firearms alongside security officers, according to the release.

The news comes in wake of a shooting in November at Mayfair Mall that left eight people injured. A 15-year-old teen was arrested and is being held in juvenile detention. Patch is not naming the 15-year-old as he hasn't been charged as an adult.

Three total arrests were made in connection to the shooting: the 15-year-old teen, another individual believed to be involved in the incident, and a passenger in the car at the time of teen's arrest.

In a petition for juvenile delinquency, the teen faces eight felony charges of first-degree reckless injury, use of a dangerous weapon and misdemeanor charge of possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18.

“Mayfair has served as a favorite destination in Milwaukee for over six decades, and we remain proud of our deep roots in this community,"Chris Jaeger, senior general manager of the mall, said in a statement."Generations have grown up shopping here and thousands of retail associates rely on Mayfair for their employment. The VWK9 program demonstrates our ongoing commitment to provide a safe, peaceful and inclusive environment for everyone. Firearms and weapons are strictly prohibited within Mayfair and the launch of the VWK9 program allows trained security professionals to identify anyone in violation of this important policy."

Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber said the department supports the program.

“The safety of all visitors and employees of Mayfair is important to the Wauwatosa Police Department," Weber said in a statement. "We support this innovative detection approach and will continue supporting the shopping center’s safety needs to help enforce a safe, family-friendly shopping environment.”

Paul Hammond, president of VWK9 explained: “It has always been VWK9’s mission to utilize our innovative techniques and patented training protocols to provide canine detection capabilities that address the increasing threats across our nation. The addition of firearms detection capability to our Vapor Wake canines allows us to serve the public and assist in making our nation a safer place. It is an honor to support our local community and to provide our canines in support of Mayfair’s ownership, management, tenants and patrons."