Violent security takedown of man in wheelchair videotaped

[maluco]

Video shows Genesis security guards hitting shoplifting suspect in the head

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/britis...heelchair.html

[PatrolGearHead]

I have spent most of my 10 year career as a Loss Prevention Officer, recently getting back in the game I can safely say these LPO's clearly have never heard of creating positive witnesses or trained in de-escalation tactics, from the look of it they seemed frustrated in dealing with an individual who was physicaly disabled and were not prepared to play the game of verbal judo, thus dealt with him as a violent person resisting arrest. Long story short, it seems they were frustrated at the realisation that they could not communicate with the individual properly and thus out came the "goon moves". I stongly suggest to any LPO's reading this that if you confront someone assaultive or not by saying "do you want me to f**k you up" be prepared to see yourself on the next episode of cbc news!

[Nauticus]

This is a tricky situation.

First, based on the video, I think everybody can agree that this probably was an example of a bit of excessive force being used, and perhaps the LPs may have conducted this stop unprofessionally.

But having worked in the exact same environment as they have (Vancouver is my place), and understanding their job, I understand where that behaviour comes from.

Those LPs, if I am not incorrect, are employees of a major Vancouver-based security company that is contracted to provide asset protection and security to the downtown core of Vancouver. They offer downtown Ambassadors, and loss prevention staff.

Downtown is also right next to the Downtown East Side, which is the poorest postal code and one of the more dangerous places in Canada.

These LP staff deal with the absolute worst people that you can deal with as a loss prevention officer. Most of the major shoplifters and criminals (it's not just theft they deal with, but also assaults, property crime, car theft, etc), and although this apprehension took place inside a mall located downtown, many of their stops occur on streets and in alleyways.

These guys could be apprehending a chronic thief one minute, and later could be dealing with a carjacker the next. It's a high risk location because when you are apprehending someone outside on a busy street, you have no idea what the situation is (whether the criminal has other people around, etc).

Due to the environment, they have adjusted their apprehensions to fit the level of safety that is expected of a professional security worker. Apprehensions are quick, and although they do jump to the use of force a little early, it's necessary to avoid food chases and other problems or risks to the public.

The last thing you want is to get in a fight with someone on a busy street corner. This is why the early use of force is important to avoid the chance of a fight occurring, and to avoid the chance of the criminal to simply run away.

I'm not necessarily saying that I agree with these actions, but it is important to know that they do work in a higher risk environment than most, or all, loss prevention staff on here have ever worked, outside in the middle of a large city, which eliminates a lot of the safety mechanisms you and I enjoy working indoors, in a store.

[PatrolGearHead]

[QUOTE=Nauticus;137355]Due to the environment, they have adjusted their apprehensions to fit the level of safety that is expected of a professional security worker. Apprehensions are quick, and although they do jump to the use of force a little early, it's necessary to avoid food chases and other problems or risks to the public.
QUOTE]

Dude not to be a smartass but the guy only had one leg, dont think hes running anywhere! Haha