Best Practice: Retrieving the Merchandise

[Curtis Baillie]

Correct me if I am wrong but it sounded like you were saying a verbal agreement would be fine.
Due to the fact that he is deviating from the policy’s procedure aloha should get something in writing to cover him should something go wrong. E.g. add a clause in the policy or get a senior person to make an occurrence book entry.

I said, As long as your way does not violate your company's policy - you should be fine.

[capurato]

Out of all the ways you can violate an apprehension policy so you think they will fire you for this one?

[Curtis Baillie]

The OP is from Ohio, an employment "at-will" state. His employment can be terminated for any reason at any time, except for race, creed, age and the rest of the protected areas and contractual agreement. Both employer or employee can end the employment without notice.

[wiredharpoon]

If you are making a stop you should be 100% certain that they have the merchandise. Asking them to hand it over before they exit sounds like you have a bit of doubt in your mind about them actually having the merchandise (or at least that's what the policy sounds like). What happens if they don't hand you the merchandise than, do you just let them go?

From what I have seen in stops that I have made is that its best to escort them back to the office without causing a scene and taking care of everything there. You have to remember that other customers will be around and the subject will not take kindly to you calling him out in front of the whole store, stating what he stole.

[aloha330]

If you are making a stop you should be 100% certain that they have the merchandise. Asking them to hand it over before they exit sounds like you have a bit of doubt in your mind about them actually having the merchandise (or at least that's what the policy sounds like). What happens if they don't hand you the merchandise than, do you just let them go?

From what I have seen in stops that I have made is that its best to escort them back to the office without causing a scene and taking care of everything there. You have to remember that other customers will be around and the subject will not take kindly to you calling him out in front of the whole store, stating what he stole.

Thank you, wiredharpoon, that was what I was trying to say, (along with the safety aspect of not allowing a suspect to reach into their purse or jacket) - before my comments were twisted out of context.