SCIM-Industry Exposure Visit on Mall Security and Operations at Nexus Vijaya Mall, Chennai

On 19th December 2025, Postgraduate Diploma in Security, Corporate, and Intelligence Management students, along with faculty member Mr. Sharuhasan, AP, visited Nexus Vijaya Mall, Chennai, to gain practical insights into mall security and operations. The visit offered a meaningful insight into how large public spaces manage safety, crowd control, and daily coordination, while ensuring a comfortable shopping experience for visitors.

The visit clearly showed that mall security goes far beyond CCTV cameras and security guards at entry points. Malls face threats such as pickpocketing, drug trafficking, smuggling, misbehavior, and other planned or spontaneous crimes. Addressing these challenges is essential not only for public safety but also for protecting the mall’s reputation and smooth business operations.

Security operations function round-the-clock, with personnel deployed at entrances, on floors, in parking areas, and in the control room. Continuous monitoring of crowds, vehicles, and suspicious movements helps prevent incidents before they escalate. Security teams work closely with housekeeping, maintenance, parking staff, and tenants to manage crowds and respond effectively to daily issues, especially during weekends, festivals, and sale periods.

Fire safety is treated as a regular operational duty rather than a one-time arrangement. Emergency exits, alarms, staircases, and fire-fighting equipment are checked routinely. Mock drills and basic fire training ensure that staff are prepared to guide visitors calmly in the event of an emergency and prevent panic.

The mall’s control room acts as a central command centre where CCTV footage, alarms, and public address systems are continuously monitored. This setup enables the early detection of incidents, allowing supervisors to guide ground staff accurately and ensuring a quick and effective response.

Top‑10 Learnings:

1. Security is More Than Just Gates
2. Different Types of People, Different Types of Risks
3. Quick Thinking and Fast Response are Essential
4. Always Be Ready, Even When Everything Looks Fine
5. Security Must Understand the Business of the Mall
6. Control Room as the Nerve Centre
7. Following Fire and Security Rules is Non‑Negotiable 
8. Fire Safety is a Daily Habit, Not a One‑Time Setup
9. Right Manpower at the Right Place
10. Using Basic Intelligence to Improve Security

The educational visit highlighted that effective mall security depends on preparedness, coordination, and adaptability. Understanding crowd behaviour, aligning security with business activities, and using basic intelligence help create a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all visitors.