Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

It has recently come to my attention that shoplifting is a very involved process. My question to you is: How much time, effort, and paper work goes into apprehending a suspect charged with shoplifting?

Depends on the particular case/incident and surrounding circumstances, if any.

Well the circumstances are for a teen age 13-17 who complies. I'm thinking something small in between 5-10 dollars. I went for that considering it's what happens most around my town and I've seen a couple kids steal condoms before. At least they aren't breeding.

For something like that, aftereffects could still range from a simple warning and release to parents to a felony arrest and juvenile hall.

As for the paperwork if there wasn't just a warning?

Could be a notice to appear/citation, could be a miscellaneous incident report, could be a full blown crime report, could be a mix, etc...

What goes into shoplifting?


Well, first you have to find what you want. Then you look around and make sure the Po-Po isn't around. Then when no ones looking you need to grab it and stuff it into your shirt, coat or pants. Then once it's in look around again to make sure no one saw you. Then you slowly, casually as if nothing's going on, walk around a bit more checking out the other items. While doing this do a quick "check" of yourself to make sure the items are well hidden and not half hanging out. Then casually make your way to the door. It's all about attitude and keeping calm. :)

Ok Mr Smartguy, then what happens if you snatch something that some other shoplifter had his/her eye on and he/she confronts you with that fact? What's the proper etiquette then? :confused:

There's usually a supporting deposition filled out by a representative of the business/victim. We fill out a arrest report, and a criminal complaint report. Doesn't take that much time.

ok mr smartguy, then what happens if you snatch something that some other shoplifter had his/her eye on and he/she confronts you with that fact? What's the proper etiquette then? :confused:

duel!

duel!

ponchos and pocket watches at 20 paces? ;)

b2l4IKz3m7c

or:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjE2sxCQ_rU

There's usually a supporting deposition filled out by a representative of the business/victim. We fill out a arrest report, and a criminal complaint report. Doesn't take that much time.


Thanks for the info.

Who do you know who got caught?

Retail Theft is one of the FEW offenses that can go from a Summary, to a Misdemeanor to a Felony. We fingerprint any kid 16 and up for Retail Theft, whether it is a first offense or not.

The merchant CAN choose to handle it civally and get a couple of hundred bucks off of the thief ( yes I said THIEF) or they can have us handle as a criminal arrest.

A LOT of $$$ goes out the door to thieves so in our case , pretty much age 12 and up gets a cite. If the store wants to call the parents and let them handle , so be it.

Who do you know who got caught?

read between the lines... the next question will be something along the lines of " they didn't do a real report, they just took my name down and some other information"... so what are my chances since I always wanted to be a p/o???

In CA if you have a prior conviction it is a Felony to do so again, even if it is only a fifty cent pack of gum. If you don't do it in the first place, you should be good.