Feeling bad

[bobdole]

Hey everyone,

I'm in the process for the reserves at my City PD. Actually, I've completed everything except the Psych. I've been working a second job in the evenings for some extra cash until the academy starts.

Anyway, I work at a very large retail store. The other night I notice a PD car pull up to the front of the store and the officer goes in. I asked a co-worker what was going on, and he said the LP guy caught a guy stealing some diapers.

I'm not sure why, but I just felt really sad after hearing that. I wasn't feeling bad for the guy that got hooked, more so I guess for the kid that was being raised in that type of environment...if they can't afford diapers, I'm guessing they can't afford food either.

I know I'll be seeing stuff 100 times worse than this if I get in, but for some reason this really got to me. I guess I'm wondering if I'm pursuing the wrong career. Do you guys ever have little stuff like this get to you? Or do you pretty much become numb to everything after seeing it over and over?

[JD45]

You're making an assumption they can't afford diapers. I had a lady last week come into Mervyn's and spend $60 on stuff for her daughters b-day. Yet she decided to steal a $20 outfit for her after paying for the other merchandise.

People steal for various reasons, not only because they can't afford something.

As far as feeling bad for thieves go, I certainly don't. If they didn't chose to steal, then neither of us (thief and I) would be meeting.

[Oldbillplod]

Theft is theft is theft, next question.

[retdetsgt]

Most states have plenty of places that people who are truly hard up can go to for essentials such as diapers.

[scott715us]

I worked retail LP for three years before becoming an LEO. Those that stole from my store were one of two categories. Lower income folks stealing a butt load to sell it on the streets (grab & runs). Or high income folks that had money on them, but stole for the thrill. All were prosecuted.

I believe the only ones I may feel sorry for are the ones that steal food from grocery stores. I believe they are stealing it just to feed themselves.

I was in court the other day and a guy came before the judge that got caught stealing a computer from a labratory connected to a hospital. I have never heard such an *** chewin from a judge. He really gave it to this guy. Talking about medical research and people's medical records that could have been affected by the loss of that computer. The judge told him if he caught him stealing again from a hospital or anything close to a medical facility, he was going to give him the max sentence with no possibility of probation/parole. ;)

[Drew27k9]

We get a lot of retails in our stores in our town. Believe me, the diapers were not for his kids. More than likely he was stealing them and selling them so he can get some drug money.

[acreature]

Even if they were for his kids, Social Services, shelters, churches, etc etc would have been willing to help. Had he swallowed his pride to look out for his family.

But, they were probably not for his kids, as was already stated.