Can A security guard stop and search ur bags if?

[David Platts]

Can Secuirty Guards Search? Well yes in some areas they can search but must allways get consent from the person before they procead if they refuse they they are asked to leave the premices or taken off them by forse - this is the procedure that i have to follow in my place of work althrough it isnt retail so that could be diffrent.

[paulb]

Hi guys,

As much as we may not like it, in this day and age even criminals have rights. If you are to be searched then it must be done in a place where as not to offend the person being detained, or to cause them embarassment. Females being searched by females etc etc.
The woman hadn't even left the premises so there was no right to stop her.

Sounds like someone sussing things out or security guards on a power trip....that would never happen lol.

[skunk]

From an ex police point of view and from a current retail security point of view, we at sainsburys now operate the policy of, if the EAS barrier activates, we no longer check receipts etc... however we advise the customer to speak to the customer service desk as there may be a tagged item in their shopping. As for suspecting that a checkout operator hasnt scanned all of the items, it is impossible to get SCONE on that unless you have a)CCTV which gives audio from that specific till so you can hear the beeps. b) CCTV which can focus directly on the till screen so u can see the item going through the scanner as well as the item coming up on the screen. or c) you have to be stood right nexty to the bloody till so you can see for yourself, in which case the checkout operator isnt gonna be that stupid!!!
End of the day if you stop someone and ask for a receipt and start checking ther bags, it is a stop/search which is illegal! dont stop unless you have ASCONE and even if you do, NEVER EVER search someone!
Hello everyone!

[lildev666]

Hello Skunk!
Where I work we have same policy dont run after if ETS goes off. No to stop and search and can only do anything if SCONE.
Lol I have met a few dense ones, there are a few around, not just the checkout operators hehee

[alabam]

This is an excellent point you make when you ask this person what they mean by she does not even look like a shoplifter, why do people feel the need to stereotype against people based on there looks, clothing and style of dress, true it can be a target indicator but it’s not always the case shame on you.

[Colin]

Qick and easy answer no they dont have the right. If they have seen her commit an arrestable offence ie theft, they must arrest her and then they could check, but it is usual to wait for the Police to attend, prevents any problems.

[woodulikesome]

[Your thoughts people. Should one post wonders get the boot.[/quote]


I agree, the story does sound a bit odd, but a couple of you need to get off your high horse. I bet their's a few people out there who find this site as a good source of info and a way of finding out new SOP's etc, who feel that they dont want to get involved in contributing in the forums. Or perhaps there are few individuals who are never able to always post replies on the forums because they are always working and never get the chance to sit at terminal and tap away for hours. Don't get me wrong, If you feel strongly about a subject or have some information that you would like to pass on, or ask for advice then use the forums , but c'mon guys just because a someone doesnt like to contibute that often doesnt mean that they should oust'ed. At the end of the day this site is a good way of passing info and gaining new contacts, so whether you are posting 10 replies a week or using this site as a reference library lets all get on.

[SH4DOW]

Is it possible some little 'punk' had his collar felt today - now looking for some intelligent ammunition?

[Carl Dowd]

Mate, not quite sure what you are after, but
1. On private property a security guard has the legitimate power to search same sex personnel with permission from that person.
2. Being 'stopped' does not constitute wrongful arrest. When you are held against your will it would fall under the law of ABDUCTION:
3. In the trade what the guards actually did is classed as a 'RECOVERY* and handled in the right way is perfectly lawful as long as the goods were on show at the time of passing through the till and not concealed. Remember the act of theft is 3 parts.
4. To commit wrongful arrest the arresting officer or a private person under a citizens arrest has to actually ARREST i.e CAUTION and using resonable force DETAIN or hand over to a POLICE OFFICER as soon as is reasonably possible.
5. In normal circumstances a suspect would be ichallenged and nvited back into a store or if they have passed the checkout but not exited then they can be stopped. Remember, stores are PRIVATE PROPERTY. A citizens arrest can be performed at this time if necessary.
6. Despite the myth a security office or store detective can challenge, apprehend or detain under citizens arrest someone who has committed ONE PART of the act of theft. ERGO it means that they do not have to have left the store.

I trust that this helps you.

Carl Dowd RTD Group

[nozzer]

Why dont you go back to the store, follow the said security guards home and torture the offenders and offenders familes. Thus ensuring this never happens to a well "payed" lady again.