2001connections-article0015 Customers and store security.

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2001connections-article0015
Customers and store security.

Overzealous hired protectors of retail establishments need to be more careful and exercise better judgement in performing their duties. Otherwise, these safekeepers risk infringing on customers’ rights. I make it a special point to collect newspaper stories about such incidents. Particularly if the event includes themes of bullying, intimidation, harassment.

Far too often, in my humble, subjective opinion, consumers end up getting badgered and tyrannized by paid sentinels of commercial interests. There you are, an honest customer, leaving the store with your purchases, after having paid for all your stuff at the cash. Suddenly, an ominous-sounding buzzer or bell or whistle goes off and wacky lights flash around the checkout area and/or near the exit door. Some hired Joe in a uniform with a badge approaches you and demands to see your receipt and/or to inspect your purchases. He also physically blocks you from leaving the premises. It’s outrageous. All this time, you are in the right and he is in the wrong. You feel lost. What can you do? Especially if you're alone in the store, without any witnesses? Feeling helpless, outnumbered and overpowered by store personnel. Regrettably, if you simply continue to walk out of the shop and refuse to show proof of payment for the goods, he will probably physically attack you. And all this nonsense often happens as a result of the cashier failing to properly deactivate the security tag on 1 or more items that you have bought. Trampling on your rights by store personnel in this manner has got to end. Paid sentries of commercial establishments need to become more aware of their limitations. The pretext of defending an employer’s economic interests cannot be routinely accepted as an excuse for transgressing certain boundaries.

To the best of my knowledge, store security personnel benefits from specialized training in dealing with customers. Just about any fair-minded person should easily conclude that this sort of imbalance is intolerable. So I figured, why not level the playing field? Therefore, I respectfully suggest, consumers need courses on interacting with guards. Perhaps a consumers rights organization could sponsor such instruction, among many other helpful offerings. To find out more about this particular idea of creating a retail customers’ association,

please click on
2001connections-article0088
Shoppers need their own union.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. I do not hold a degree in law, sociology, psychology nor any other relevant or irrelevant field. Nor is it ever my intention to wrongly or mistakenly create the impression of holding a degree or any official qualifications. The material contained on these pages may be characterized as practical tips, ideas and observations at the most, and is in no way intended to provide or replace professional advice of any sort.
Do you know exactly what your rights are when you are confronted by uniformed or plainclothes protectors of a commercial establishment? Probably not. Now don’t feel too bad about your lack of knowledge on this subject. Most of us are simply too busy to delve into all manner of available or even necessary information. However, it could prove profoundly advantageous to learn a few basics.
I believe that you should be entitled to ask the following questions, and to obtain satisfactory responses, when approached by store personnel in certain situations similar to what I have described thus far.
[[1]] Am I legally obliged to stop and prove that I paid for all my purchases?
[[2]] What will happen if I refuse?
[[3]] Will you physically attack me?
[[4]] Do you have the legal right to physically attack me? If so, on what grounds?

[[Don’t laugh. It actually happens.]]

[[5]] Am I suspected of stealing? If so, which item or items?
[[6]] Am I legally obliged to stop and deal with you instead of exiting the store?
At the very least, the security guard should be required to verbally clarify the above points when approaching you. It may be in your best interest to ask additional questions. Furthermore, please note, I cannot possibly guarantee that the above assortment and sequence of questions represents the optimum combination in any specific scenario. Individual situations vary considerably, as do the stipulations and constraints of different jurisdictions around the world. To be sure, please consult a lawyer.

Hopefully, you will be able to add some elements to your advantage. In certain cases, you may wish to compile an audio and/or video recording of the entire incident, assuming you carry a camera, tape recorder or other equipment in your pocket. But only if local laws allow you to do so. And please exercise extreme caution when choosing such an option. Countless variables apply, both for and against such a course of action. Also, consult a lawyer as soon as possible, preferably before such an incident actually takes place.

End of
2001connections-article0015
Customers and store security.

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