Ask Officer Michelle – Question #369
Posted by criminalminded
Well i was wondering what happens if you work some place like a store you see someone steal. they leave the premises and you run after them. i am just an associate but my manager wont call the police department what should i do. i mean i can’t go over the manager but is there something i can do that wont get me fired.
Alright if you see a fake money what can a person do what is my rights. how should i contain someone in a store i can detain. then i am holding them against there right. what can i do? PLEASE HELP
Dear criminalminded,
The answer to your first question is that unless you or your manager is willing to sign a citizen’s arrest, it won’t go forward in the criminal justice system. We do respond to these types of calls. Depending on the dollar amount, or if there is force used, it could be a felony. You need a clear understanding from your manager on what position the store is going to take on theft. You don’t want to risk your job or your safety.
Managers have bosses too. If the owner and manager are one in the same, it sounds like your argument will fall short. If the owner doesn’t know what’s happening, you may want to notify him or her. Another option may be to propose that your manager could hire loss prevention security.
As for your second question, you have the right to apprehend a person who is suspected of a crime, as long as you deliver the person suspected of the crime to a law enforcement officer. You may only use the amount of force necessary to hold them until law enforcement arrives. However, if that person becomes combative or has a weapon, you run the risk of getting hurt. My advice would be to keep the currency and stall if you can safely, while 911 is called. Always be ready to act as an expert witness by being able to describe the subject from head-to-toe including race, height, and weight, clothing description and any other physical characteristics about that person. If the suspect leaves, watch which direction they travel, if they get into a vehicle, or if they meet up with anyone else. Responding units will be looking for someone who meets that description, and if they see someone, patrol will stop them.
If the suspect touched any surfaces with bare hands, make note of these surfaces as they can be dusted for fingerprints.
If you have cameras inside your business, and the suspect is captured on camera, officers will view the tape to get a better description. They will also take a copy of the footage and the currency with them for evidentiary purposes. Good luck.
Officer Michelle
