Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Feb 13/02) - A teen and her mother have complained to police after they say a security guard attempted to handcuff the girl over a loitering complaint.

Kendra Codner, 18, and her mother Martha filed the complaint over what they consider an over-reaction by a guard employed by Centurion Security.

Kendra Codner says a security guard tried to handcuff her during an incident at Centre Square Mall last Wednesday. Centurion Security denies it. - Robert Dall/NNSL photo

The guard was patrolling the upper portion of the Centre Square Mall Feb. 6.

"I'm not saying my daughter is lily-white, but if she's been wronged, I will defend her," said Martha Codner.

Centurion has denied the allegation.

Police confirmed they are investigating the complaint, but declined further comment.

Kendra Codner said she spent the afternoon dropping off resumes at the mall and visiting friends at the library.

She had been waiting for a ride at the mall's Franklin Street entrance when the guard approached her at about 5:15 p.m.

After a brief exchange between the two, the guard told Codner she had to leave the mall.

She can't remember if he gave a reason or not.

"He took off his handcuffs and grabbed my hand," said Codner.

She swung her hand away from the guard and shouted for him to, "get your f--king hands off me. Really loud so that people would hear it."

Company denies allegation

Scott Beckwith, Centurion's area manager, said the guard didn't attempt to handcuff Codner.

According to Beckwith, the guard was simply getting loiterers to move along.

Beckwith said the company's guards are trained to use the handcuffs "if he feels his own safety, or the safety of people around him is in danger."

By law, shopping malls are considered to be private property, and so people can be asked to leave for loitering. Legally, anyone can carry handcuffs.

Beckwith said Centre Square expects security to move people along if the areas near the entrances become crowded. The guard, "politely asked (Codner and others) to leave...and she decided to cop an attitude," he said.

Beckwith added that his employee was subjected to a profanity-laced tirade from Codner.

"He hasn't done anything wrong. He was just doing his job," said Beckwith.

Witness saw handcuffs

In a search for witnesses, Yellowknifer was directed to Mark Near.

He was working at Main Street Pizza and said he saw the confrontation.

"He tried to handcuff her," Near said.

Following the incident, Codner made her way across the street with the guard close behind. Scott Beckwith, and his brother, David, appeared on the scene a short while later.

Codner said three RCMP officers arrived on the scene a few minutes later. They were called by Centurion.

Shawnette MacNeil, Centre Square's general manager, said she was aware of the situation and had spoken with Kendra's mother.

While directing questions about the incident to Centurion, MacNeil said the mall, which contracted the firm two weeks ago, is satisfied with their performance. "We're very happy with them. Their response time is excellent."

Scott Beckwith and MacNeil both said they wanted to speak personally to Kendra to sort the matter out, but that she had not contacted them.

Police have told the Codners not to have contact with Centurion or the mall.

In the spotlight

Centurion Security has made the news several times in the past year.

• May 2001 -- Centurion installs four security cameras facing the streets of Yellowknife on the roof of Sutherland's Drugs, prompting a public outcry. The cameras are later taken down.
• July 2001 -- Centurion fined $500 under Immigration Act for employing an American citizen not eligible to work in Canada.
• October 2001 -- Centurion found guilty under the Northwest Territories Motor Vehicles Act of illegally having rotating emergency lights on vehicle. The company receives an absolute discharge, which means there is a finding of guilt, but no conviction is registered.
• January 2002 -- Centurion owner David Beckwith charged with assault following a December incident at Raven's Court apartments. Centurion holds the security contract for the apartment. An individual being restrained by Beckwith suffered frostbite.