Is diligent frisking at malls enough?

HYDERABAD: A loud beep resounds when you walk through the metal detector, followed by a pat-down search. Welcome to the air-conditioned hospitality zone. Post Mumbai blasts, security measures have been tightened at malls and retail stores, leading to longer queues outside the entrance. Where earlier you were given a cursory swish of a detector and a tap outside your pockets, now you get a full minute of checking before you are let in. But how prepared are the security personnel to handle a crisis?"The ongoing sale has led to a large number of customers coming in everyday. We have been instructed to be extra careful and it takes almost a minute for a thorough frisking which includes checking the belongings of the person," says Kamala Dash (name changed) who works at a mall in Somajiguda.On being asked what action will she take if suspicious material is found on a person, she smiles and points at the alarm switch. Look around and it is difficult to say whether an armed security guard is on call to step in during an emergency.A recce of malls in the city presents a similar picture.For Roshan (name changed) working at the sprawling mall cum multiplex, security checks are routine and his answer to a possible security threat is - "There are so many of us around and the armed guards can step in the minute we pass them the information. The walkie-talkie is enough to communicate. After all, we don't want to intimidate the shoppers by presenting an armoured appearance."The security personnel employed by private security agencies form the first line of defence and are paid close to Rs 8000 depending on the nature of work and the hours required to be put in. Also, they are the most vulnerable among the lot till help arrives during a critical situation. Surprisingly they don't seem to possess firearms and many do not even have a licence."If private security guards are given firearms they should be able to retain it and retaliate in an emergency. But with their limited training, it is not pragmatic to arm them. The best measure will be to inform the police as they can handle the situation better," says Stephen Ravindra, deputy commissioner of police (west zone).He also suggests that better frisking should be carried out and suspicious persons should be reported immediately. "We had conducted a survey of all areas and categorized them on the basis of vulnerability and criticality. We provide security accordingly but the primary onus to make the shoppers and customers feel safe lies with the security agencies and the people who solicit their services," said the DCP.Some customers believe that the usual frisking is not enough to avert danger. "Diligent checks should be carried out regularly and not just when a threat looms large. High-end technology should be used to protect business worth millions and invaluable lives," says Meghraj Ravindra, a city-based musician. However, there are others who find the routine tiresome. "They are picky about cigarette lighters and matches but I don't think they even know what an explosive looks like," says Bela Bose, an advertising intern in the city.