Rights Violation or a Complete Jerk?

[Munkay]

It's not a body search yet. What happens when the inspections are not getting the desired results? Do they then start pat downs of everyone leaving the store? When things then continue to disappear, do they then require a cavity search to get out the door? Ridiculous, yes, but only in degree. As it is, they are detaining every customer, even just for a minute, with a false accusation of theft. If a customer has given reason to be suspected of theft, make a citizen's arrest and call the authorities to proceed. Otherwise, let your customers be on their way.

The guy picked a fight for sure. Involving his family without their knowledge (assumed - they might have been totally supporting him) was not good. He was, however, making a stand against an erosion of all of our rights in a way that will get far more attention than letter writing to the corporation (read - insert in circular file) would ever get. If you believe your right to protection from an illegal search is pointless, then you can say there is no harm in the inspections. If you do hold to your right, then you have to agree that his basis was sound, even if you don't agree with his method. The real jerk in this situation is the corporation that put the worker in the position to have to deal with anyone wanting to make just such a stand.

I understand your concern about this becoming a slippery slope, but I think in this case its unwarranted. The offender is a corporation, who ultimately relies on its customer base to remain afloat. If they become too Draconian in their efforts in 'loss-prevention', they will lose their customers. And since the stores in question are resellers, and subsequently aren't the only place to buy a product, there will never be enough of a monopoly on the market that you have to shop there.

The truth of the matter is theft costs big companies millions (some billions) of dollars a year. My question to everyone, is what can be done to remedy the situation? I'd love to hear some constructive ideas on this topic. Like it or not, the bag checkers are effective deterrents. If you take them away, what practices to you put in their place that are not only less obtrusive, but keep shoplifting down?

Anyone?

Cheers,

Munk