Chapter 8 Preventing Losses from Criminal Actions

Criminal and Civil Offenses  A crime is an offense against the state for which punishment is sought.  A civil act is a tort which is an offense against an individual for which restitution is sought.

Crimes Important to Private Security  The crimes of most concern to private security are:  Larceny/theft.  Burglary.  Robbery.  Trespassing.  Vandalism.  Assault.  Arson.  White collar crime--embezzlement, bad checks and credit card fraud.  Drugs in the workplace.

Reducing Risk of Larceny/Theft  Limit access to assets.  Use basic security equipment and procedures to deter employee pilferage as well as theft by nonemployees.

Reduce Burglary Risk/Loss  Install and use good locks, adequate indoor and outdoor lighting and an alarm system. Can be supplemented with security patrols.  Keep valuables in a burglar-resistant safe or vault.  Keep minimum amount of cash on hand.  Leave cash registers open and empty at closing time.  Be sure all security equipment is functional at closing time.

Prevent Robbery Risk/Loss  Train employees how to react if a robbery occurs.  Do not build up cash. Use armed couriers to transport cash.  Establish strict opening and closing procedures, and use extreme caution if someone seeks entrance to facility after hours.

Employee Response to Robbery  Stay calm.  Do exactly as you are told.  Assure robber you will cooperate totally, but do not volunteer to do anything.  Treat any firearm displayed as though it is real and loaded.  Activate alarms only if you can do so undetected.  Try to alert others if possible.

Theft, Burglary and Robbery: The Differences  Larceny/theft--unlawful taking of property of another without unlawful entrance or confrontation.  Burglary--unlawful taking and unlawful entry.  Robbery--includes unlawful taking and confrontation.

Other Crime Risk Prevention Techniques  Trespassing and vandalism can be prevented or reduced by strict access controls, security lighting, signs and patrols.  Adequate lighting, patrols and communication systems are means to reduce risk of assaults. Escort services may also be used.

Circumstances of Arson  Fires that:  (1) have more than one point of origin.  (2) deviate from normal burning patterns.  (3) show evidence of trailers.  (4) show evidence of having been accelerated.  (5) indicate abnormal amount of air, fuel or heat present.  (6) reveal evidence of incendiary igniters at point of origin.  (7) produce odors or smoke of a color associated with substances not normally present at scene.

Other Crime Types  White-collar crime is business-related crime.  Pilferage or internal theft is an important concern of private security managers.

Common Drug Abuse in the Workplace  Alcohol.  Marijuana.  Cocaine--snorted or smoked as freebase or crack.

Enforcement of Rights  Security managers may be called on to enforce the following rights:  Prevent trespassing.  Control conduct of persons legally on premises.  Defend self, others and property.  Prevent commission of a crime.

Expelling, Detaining and Arresting  In many states, private security personnel can do the following:  Detain persons suspected of shoplifting.  Make a citizen’s arrest of persons who commit a misdemeanor in their presence.  Make a citizen’s arrest of persons who commit a felony if they have probable cause.

Use of Force  Force can be used only when and to the extent that is necessary.  Deadly force can be used only to protect human life.

Searching of Suspects  Security officers usually have the authority to search a suspect’s person and anything the person is carrying if the officers have a legitimate reason for detaining or arresting the suspect.  Any search must be conducted reasonably with the least possible use of force, intimidation or embarrassment.

Interviewing and Interrogating  Interview--A controlled conversation with witnesses to or victims of a crime.  Interrogation--A controlled conversation with persons suspected of direct or indirect involvement in a crime.

Effective Interviewing and Interrogating  Prepare in advance.  Obtain information as soon as possible.  Use a private setting and eliminate physical barriers.  Establish rapport.  Encourage conversation.  Ask simple questions one at a time.  Listen and observe.

Summary Questions  How do criminal and civil offenses differ?  What crimes are of major importance to private security?  How can the risks of these crimes be reduced?  Differentiate between theft, burglary and robbery.  What circumstances can indicate arson?

Summary Questions  Define white-collar crime.  Define pilferage.  What drugs are commonly abused in the workplace?  What rights can be enforced by private security officers?  When and how can private security officers make an arrest?

Summary Questions  When is force or deadly force justified?  When and how can searches of suspects be conducted?  How does interviewing differ from interrogation?  How can such questioning be made more effective?