Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Currently, I'm employed as plainclothes retail LP. I love the job, and the thrill of an apprehension, but our company policy is killing me. I cannot handcuff (I work solo in my store mind you), I cannot do anything more than shuffle around a perp if they try to run, and forget about pursuing them once they leave the sidewalk. And the icing on the cake is I have to phone my boss who is three hours away for approval before calling the police on a runner. Now, I know its not the best idea, but I have restrained a couple individuals who tried to run. It could cost me my job, but I feel that the only way I can keep the merchandise in the store is to bend some rules here and there. How does your store policy vary from mine? Is it more strict or less? Could you recommend a better company to apply to?:confused:

I would say to let the police handle those situations. By getting into a foot pursuit or going hand to hand with somebody, you have no clue what you would be getting into. Plus you dont have anything to defend yourself with.

Personally I would just stick your company policy, if they start to lose TOO much merchandise then I guess they might reconsider a few things. :)

LOSS PREVENTION is its own industry you have to detain shoplifters to get civil demand. Most stores "bend" the rules on apprehension guidelines.

Let me guess you probably work at Best Buy they are basically receipt checkers

My boss says he's blind, mute and deaf, so basically if the guy comes back with a broken wrist and cuts on his forehead. He knows what's up but is not going to fire me or call district on me. Im his leader for the store. Now if I break company policy and chased him off the sidewalk and we both got hit by a car well here goes a lawsuit, and my job. Be aware of your surroundings.

He wants us to get stops even though company policy says you can't touch the shoplifter. Ive chased people through the mall before and into the field

They did commit a crime in my presence. Its not illegal to use reasonable force to detain someone who stole merchandise.

Store policy is not based on any legal laws remember that!


Most stores have boundaries (sidewalk) and have rules that you can' t apprehend with force. So that means if I (the shoplifter) don't "FEEL" like being arrested I don't have to be.

Thats a bunch of BS if you ask me.

Currently, I'm employed as plainclothes retail LP. I love the job, and the thrill of an apprehension, but our company policy is killing me. I cannot handcuff (I work solo in my store mind you), I cannot do anything more than shuffle around a perp if they try to run, and forget about pursuing them once they leave the sidewalk. And the icing on the cake is I have to phone my boss who is three hours away for approval before calling the police on a runner. Now, I know its not the best idea, but I have restrained a couple individuals who tried to run. It could cost me my job, but I feel that the only way I can keep the merchandise in the store is to bend some rules here and there. How does your store policy vary from mine? Is it more strict or less? Could you recommend a better company to apply to?:confused:


The store hired you to do a specific job and follow their policies, not to decided how to best keep merchandise in the store. They have also been in business a very long time, and they know it costs less to let some stuff go than have you or someone else injured or killed over property.

I strongly suggest you knock off worrying over that which is not in your control and frankly, none of your business.

If you can't deal with that LP is not for you.

Currently, I'm employed as plainclothes retail LP. I love the job, and the thrill of an apprehension, but our company policy is killing me. I cannot handcuff (I work solo in my store mind you), I cannot do anything more than shuffle around a perp if they try to run, and forget about pursuing them once they leave the sidewalk. And the icing on the cake is I have to phone my boss who is three hours away for approval before calling the police on a runner. Now, I know its not the best idea, but I have restrained a couple individuals who tried to run. It could cost me my job, but I feel that the only way I can keep the merchandise in the store is to bend some rules here and there. How does your store policy vary from mine? Is it more strict or less? Could you recommend a better company to apply to?:confused:

LP work is just like everything else, no matter how hard you try to recover as much merchandice as possible or how dependable or loyal you are all it takes is one bad stop with one pissed off customer or someone getting hurt while you chase them out on the parking lot and you will find yourself out on the street looking for a new job.

I would suggest to stay where you are, because no matter where you go if you don't stick to company policy you will be job hopping forever.

Everybody bends the rules here and there but you have to know when to do it ;)

Everybody bends the rules here and there but you have to know when to do it ;)

LOL. Indeed

I strongly suggest you knock off worrying over that which is not in your control and frankly, none of your business.

If you can't deal with that LP is not for you.



Very true, but you have to understand, most places like you to do that, if it is small dollar items. Im not going to fight some one over a candy bar lol.

NOW ON THE OTHER HAND

If its a grab n run trying to take 2400 dollars worth of levi's merhandise there is no "STOP SIR LOSS PREVENTION"

Im going to be sticking him to the pavement as soon as he gets out the door. Because more than likely its some tweeker on meth and I HATE dealing with them plus theyre fast as hell

its some tweeker on meth and I HATE dealing with them plus theyre fast as hell

LMAOOOO He says there fast as hell. It comes down to one thing its not your store and its not worth getting stabbed or shot for. But if you know in your gut that you cannot take the person then let the suspect go. Like you said its only you, and company's have rules for legality reasons more like a "protect my *** policy".... Because when it comes down to a lawsuit dude your on your own!! I understand you get that adrenalin "whooping ***" but there's always a time for that because im going seem like a liar if I say I don't get a rush. By the way what store are you in if you don't mind me asking??