Malls across the nation are typically places where individuals and families go for leisure, shopping or to hang out with friends. But some trips to the mall can turn dangerous.

Some malls in New York state have seen an increase in violence, including fights and shootings.

After police said a shooting shut down a Syracuse mall last Friday night, Spectrum News 1 asked if shootings in public places be prevented. More specifically, how can they be stopped at a mall?

It’s a question that’s been asked for years in many places, and is once again being asked in relation to Destiny USA following a reported shooting on Friday.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said he spoke with Destiny’s ownership on Monday. He said they talked about current security protocols.

“Which ultimately resulted in an agreement that the mall was going to put their heads together and evaluate things on their end," Walsh said. "The Syracuse Police Department is going to do the same thing on their end, and then we'll get everybody back together and determine what else needs to be done to make sure that everybody that goes to that mall feels safe."

Walsh said the mall contracts Syracuse police officers, who maintain security there during all hours that Destiny USA is open. He said Destiny USA is privately owned, but partnerships are important to help keep the property safe.

“There is accountability that needs to be had at every level, from the mall owner to the city and even to our state and federal partners as well, who have significant influence over the laws that dictate what can and cannot happen in the city of Syracuse," Walsh said.

Syracuse police said if a shopper is ever in a dangerous situation, to run, hide, fight.

“At first you're going to want to run away, and then you hide. That's where that shelter-in-place comes in," Public Information Lt. Syracuse Police Department Matthew Malinowski said. "So you'll see a store as they lock them down and get the customers to the back rooms. And then obviously, if you have no other option, would be to fight. Now, in scenarios like that, you want to listen to the instructions. So making sure the mall does a notification, but we also do it through our social media. So we're going to tell you what we want you to do."

“Our goal, whether you're in the mall or you're downtown or you're in any city neighborhood, is that you feel safe anywhere you go in the city of Syracuse," Walsh said. "And as mayor, that's my top priority. And my responsibility is to work with the property owner to ensure that people are safe. Everyone needs to make their safety and their family's safety priority number one. And I'm not ever going to tell someone whether they should or should not feel safe. My goal is to ensure that everyone feels safe."

Walsh said they’re also looking at ways to incorporate community violence intervention partners. He said illegal guns are also a huge problem that needs to be addressed.

Spectrum News 1 reached out to Destiny USA’s management for comment and have not heard back.