Deadly Mall Shooting in Suburban Chicago

2008 Feb 3 Posted by Joseph Pascarella

Yesterday, during an apparent Robbery at a shopping mall in Tinley Park, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago), five persons were murdered in a robbery that went bad. Additionally, the alleged offender has not yet been apprehended. Accoring to the early investigations, up to 37 persons in one store were held hostage during the robbery.

Large gatherings such as shopping malls present enduring Safety issues for public safety given the prevalence of firearms in the United States. Although estimates are very difficult, firearms, both legally and illegal, are very pervasive in the United States. This is especially challenging for Public Safety agencies given the continued population growth and development in the United States. Firearms control policy has been an emotional debate in recent United States history and during this upcoming presidential election, that policy is likely to be debated once again.

Take care and stay safe.

Joe Pascarella

3 Responses to “Deadly Mall Shooting in Suburban Chicago”

Joshua Says:

This is why we as sworn officers/agents should feel obligated to carry off duty. The Utah mall shooting last February was greatly lessened by an off-duty officer who was able to pin the subject down where he could not hurt more people until the cavalry arrived. The officer was on a rescheduled valentines dinner when he heard the shots. After the incident, he said he wished he had had an extra magazine on his person. Carry off duty and dont forget the spare mag. You owe it to your community.

Mary Jo Says:

I keep finding myself replaying the Trolley Square shooting night. I work as a non-sworn civilian for SLCPD and was off that night, but media coverage was very extensive, so much so I attended a couple of the debriefing held that week. Officer Hammond truly carried his duties to the utmost that night and with his actions and the actions of SLCPD kept human damage to as much a minimum as possible. I hope I can reflect my education and work in postion where I may take the challenges of public safety and help people be more aware of their surroundings, and how to cope with less than ideal situations. I respect any law enforcement personnel for theirs is truly a difficult job.

Be safe and take care as we begin a new week!

Joseph Pascarella Says:

Joshua,

Thanks for the post and you bring up some excellent points.

Mary Jo you are correct about the challenges we face in public safety today.

Joe

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Public Safety Signals provides a venue for those working or interested in the public safety field to join in a conversation about the latest news, trends and important issues related to public safety.

Authors

Picture of Dr. Steven Barthelmeus, aa contributor to Capella's public safety blog.
Dr. Steven Barthelmeus
Program Chair,
Public Safety – Criminal Justice/Forensics program, Capella University
Picture of Harry Carter, a contributor to Capella's public safety blog.
Dr. Harry Carter
Core Faculty Member,
Capella University
Picture of Shelly Gill, a contributor to Capella's public safety blog.
Dr. Shelly Gill
Adjunct Instructor, Capella University
Picture of Dr. Joseph Pascarella, author of Capella's public safety news blog.
Dr. Joseph Pascarella
Core Faculty Member, Capella University
Picture of Dr. Jeffrey Rush, author of Capella's public safety news blog.
Dr. Jeffrey Rush
Asst. Professor of Criminal Justice/Homeland Security, Dept. of Public Management and Criminal Justice, Austin Peay State University
Picture of Dr. Michael Kemp, author of Capella's public safety news blog.
Dr. Michael Kemp
Chair, Emergency Management, Capella University
Melissa Beasley
Captain, Florence Alabama Police Department
Darryl Jones
Capella University Learner and Chief, Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire
Dr. Laura Pettler
Investigator for Prosecutorial District Twenty A of North Carolina
Mark Rubin
Capella University Learner
Mark S. Warnick
Capella University Learner, Retired Asst. Fire Chief

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