NCJ Number
45446
Date Published
Unknown
Length
23 pages
Annotation
GUIDELINES FOR RETAIL PERSONNEL LIST PROOF NECESSARY FOR PROSECUTION OF SHOPLIFTING, ARREST PROCEDURES, QUESTIONING, THE CIVIL RELEASE FORM, AND HANDLING EVIDENCE.
Abstract
WRITTEN IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, THIS BOOKLET IS INTENDED TO SERVE AS A GUIDE FOR THE SMALL SHOPKEEPER OR THE SECURITY GUARD. IT COVERS THE DECISION TO ARREST, RULES GENERALLY APPLICABLE TO CITIZENS' ARREST, PROOF WHICH IS NECESSARY BEFORE THE SHOPLIFTER IS APPREHENDED, AND PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED ONCE THE SHOPLIFTER IS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY. THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING AT LEAST ONE WITNESS WHEN ARRESTING A SHOPLIFTER, OF NEVER LEAVING THE SHOPLIFTER ALONE, AND OF OBSERVING DUE PROCESS REQUIREMENTS ARE EMPHASIZED. THE CIVIL RELEASE FORM IS ILLUSTRATED AND EXPLAINED. SITUATIONS IN WHICH IT APPEARS PRUDENT TO PROSECUTE AND IN WHICH IT APPEARS PRUDENT NOT TO PROSECUTE ARE DISCUSSED. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING JUVENILES ARE DETAILED. SIGNING THE CRIMINAL COMPLAINT, CALLING WITNESSES, HANDLING EVIDENCE, AND POLICY TO BE FOLLOWED WHEN APPEARING IN COURT AS A WITNESS ARE COVERED, AS IS POLICY FOR ESTABLISHING A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH LOCAL POLICE. COOPERATION WITH POLICE AND UNDERSTANDING OF BOTH POLICE AND COURT REQUIREMENTS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTION OF SHOPLIFTERS. SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTION IS CALLED ESSENTIAL TO DETER OTHERS FROM SHOPLIFTING IN THAT PARTICULAR STORE. (GLR)