Natick Mall holds critical incident response drill

NATICK, Mass. — Gunfire outside the Natick Mall, then large numbers of local, state and federal officers swooped in. A jarring sight if you didn't see the flashing signs nearby indicating that it was

.

But police do have real concern about the Natick Mall becoming a target.

"This is a tremendous training opportunity," said Chief James Hicks of the Natick Police Department.

The Natick Mall is classified by the Department of Homeland Security as a soft target/crowded place.

"The Natick Mall, for us, is one we're concerned about," said Chief Hicks.

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That concern translated into an extensive drill Sunday night after the mall closed. It involved numerous local police departments, federal and state partners, as well as fire and EMS personnel responding to a scripted drill of multiple assailants harming mall customers and others.

"It's taken over two years of planning and preparation with many agencies and partners," said Jennifer Kearney, the mall’s General Manager.

Among those involved, the much-maligned mall cops – who would be the first line of defense were something like what was practiced actually happened.

Natick's Police Chief says the mall's private security team would be an important player if a terrorist attack occurred. For one thing, they know the building.

And it is the building itself that presents the biggest challenge for law enforcement, Chief Hicks said.

"The size," he said. "Just the size of the mall itself is one of the biggest on the East Coast, and that's a challenge."

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It is a scenario no one wants, but everyone has to be ready for.

"We were happy to participate, in the event that something happens like this," Kearney said.

Cox Media Group