NCJ Number
80784
Journal
Security Management Volume: 26 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1982) Pages: 35-39
Date Published
1982
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Steps for a store manager to take after observing a cashier discount a customer's purchase are described.
Abstract
After observing a cashier charge a customer significantly less than the total price of the articles presented at the counter, a manager should (1) preserve the physical evidence (customer receipts, detail tape, and the merchandise involved), (2) detain the customer and cashier in separate rooms, and (3) contact the loss-prevention supervisor for further direction. The customer should be asked to indicate in writing how long he has known the cashier involved, whether he expected in advance to receive the discount, and whether he is willing to pay the full price of the merchandise involved. The customer should not be allowed to pay the full price of the item at this stage of the inquiry; instead, the manager should refund the portion already paid. The customer should sign and date the statement, with another employee as witness. A statement in the customer's own writing should indicate that no duress was applied in obtaining the information. The customer should then be released. Extended detention of the customer without calling the police to press charges could incur civil liability. After release of the customer, a statement of the cashier's involvement should be obtained from him/her. Once the statement, written by the cashier, is complete, the manager is free to discuss previous violations with the employee, including theft by other employees. After the interview is complete, the employee should be advised that he is being terminated for violating company policy, not for stealing, because this would require a court conviction. Should the manager wish to pursue prosecution, the police should be called in prior to any lengthy investigation by store personnel.