Title: Shoplifting Detention - How Retail Stores Detain a Suspected Shoplifter?
Headings: Shoplifting Detention – How Retail Stores Detain a Suspected Shoplifter?
Shoplifting Detention – How Retail Stores Detain a Suspected Shoplifter?
Shoplifting Detention
Shoplifting Detention: The Policy Decision
Shoplifting Detention: Approaching the Suspect
Shoplifting Detention: The Stop
Shoplifting Detention: The Use of force
Shoplifting Detention: Processing the Shoplifter
Shoplifting Detention: Written Incident Reports
About Chris McGoey

Content: A merchant statute gives the store operator the right to “detain” someone temporarily either for the purpose of recovering their merchandise and/or for summoning the police. To detain someone, under the statute, means that they are not technically under arrest, but merely being temporarily investigated. The detention process can evolve into an arrest if the suspected shoplifter is taken into custody for the purpose of arrest. The definition of custody means not being free to leave (i.e. while handcuffed). In jurisdictions that do not have the protection of a merchant’s statute, a store operator must make a citizen’s arrest without any liability protection. In most states, to make a citizen’s arrest, you must see the crime (misdemeanor) committed in your presence or in the case of a felony committed outside of your presence, you must be certain that the crime actually occurred. Shoplifting Detention: Approaching the Suspect
To approach a person suspected of shoplifting will necessarily involve a confrontation. This confrontation can go smoothly and professionally or become hostile and aggressive. It is a good policy to have extra personnel involved for back-up and for witness purposes.