Assessing the Working Relationship between Store Security and Public Law Enforcement Officers: A Store Detective Perspective

• In Event: Prevalence, Characteristics, and Prevention of Property and Economic Offenses

Abstract

This study conducted interviews with 30 retail store detectives who were employed by two major retailers. The purpose of the study was to examine the working relationship between the store detectives and public law enforcement officers. The results of the study suggest the store detectives were pleased with the way the police helped them apprehend shoplifters, but were frustrated when police were slow to respond to their store, did not process shoplifters appropriately, and when the police did not consider retail theft to be a serious offense. The relationship between store detectives and public law enforcement officers was enhanced when police agencies had community engagement programs, or organized retail crime task forces.

Author

• Ronald Floridia, University of Virginia's College at Wise