STORES Magazine - May 2008 - (Page L9)

Cyber Mugshots Stir Controversy OUTSOURCE YOUR SHOPLIFTING APPREHENSIONS WITH U.S. SECURITY ASSOCIATES T HE TOWN of Avondale, Ariz., is raising some eyebrows and plenty of ire as a result of a decision to post suspected shoplifters’ mugshots online. Law enforcement officials say their intent is to deter crime, but the tactic is reviving the debate over the civil liberties of people who are singled out for an offense for which they have not been convicted. The idea of posting suspects’ mugshots online is not new. El Paso, Texas, Chicago and St. Paul, Minn., already post suspects’ photos online to curb DUI, prostitution, domestic violence or public indecency. Some argue that shoplifting offenses pale in comparison to the others. Avondale police officials say they’re helping merchants by cracking down on shoplifting, which peaked at 94 reports in October 2007 (the town averaged 74 shoplifting reports monthly last year). The town averaged 57 reports per month in the first quarter of 2008, according to police figures. Still, the American Civil Liberties Union and local defense attorneys question whether the practice infringes on citizens’ rights, runs counter to the presumption of innocence and could taint a jury pool, making it difficult to get a fair trial without changing venue. LP Associates for Shoplifting Apprehensions We provide Recruiting Complete background checks Drug testing Training Management & supervision Electronic incident reports THINK SHRINK “We Do” Ask about our test program Contact Tfaircloth@ussecurityassociates.com Ofﬁces nationwide Toll Free 866-989-4644 Houston C-Store Initiative: Police Thyself T HE CITY of Houston is now requiring convenience stores to implement a number of security measures designed to prevent thefts, avert robberies, protect employees and reduce neighborhood crime. The ordinance, drafted with input from the impacted retailers, went into effect April 26, though individual requirements are to be phased in at increments ranging from 30 days to 18 months. Among the requirements of the new law are: • Installation of panic buttons or silent alarms • Posting of “no loitering” and “no trespassing” signs • Safety training for store employees • Installation of “height strips” on doors to assist in the description of crime suspects • Installation of a drop safe • Increasing visibility of the store’s interior from the street • Maintenance of a color digital surveillance camera system. The ordinance also calls for the cstore owners to electronically register with the Houston Police Department. U.S. Security Associates, Inc. Is Hiring Quality LP Store Associates to Join Our Team! We provide all training and aggressive compensation 1 year, successful experience apprehending shoplifters preferred You must possess or be able to obtain necessary state/local license Have a valid driver’s license with reliable transportation Successfully pass our background screening Be schedule Military and Law Enforcement personnel welcome! Contact: East Jlee@ussecurityassociates.com West Sdegener@ussecurityassociates.com Please Stop by our Booth #859 At the NRF LP Conference Orlando June 23-25 STORES / MAY 2008 WWW.LPINFORMATION.COM L9 http://WWW.LPINFORMATION.COM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of STORES Magazine - May 2008

Stores - May 2008 Contents Executive Editor's Page President's Page Contrasting C-Level Compensation Across Segments What Shoppers Think 10 Things You May Have Missed Numbers Worth Counting Full Price/Markdown Retail People Cover Story: Concepts That Clicked Concept2Watch Kiosks Artificial Intelligence Tech Support Online LPinformation Data Synchronization Human Resources Site Selection POS Selection Communications Biometrics Networking Systems Credit Loeb Retail Letter Arts Update Point of View NRF News Retail Crossword Retail Industry Calendar Last Laugh

STORES Magazine - May 2008

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