Creating Retail Safety In the 21st Century

I've gotten a ringside seat of late to observe what I call, 'retail safety creation', up close and personal.

My start in this security field began in the nineties, where a 'cops and robbers' mindset prevailed. We actively detained shoplifters and forcibly ejected people acting disruptively inside stores.

Past highlights include my tackling a shoplifter I'd detained who tried to escape upon the arrival of the police transport van to take him to jail. I also helped officers handcuff him.

Another memorable moment was walking a stalker back in a half-Nelson hold after he'd assaulted a female store employee who'd ended their relationship.

Obviously, that's not how things are in the 'deescalation' era we are in today.

It's not private sector 'cops and robbers' anymore but it's still a game of 'cat and mouse.' Thus far I've intervened in three shopliftings, the second of which had a 'snatch and grab' suspect engaged in a tug -of war with a spunky assistant store manager over a bunch of shirts still on the hanger.

The latest episode of what I call, 'adventures in retail safety creation' starred me detaining a brazen shoplifter confronted by a fearless store manager. She'd challenged him about a stolen shirt draped over his shoulder and bag belonging to the store.

I made him give them back.

Unlike the nineties, no one is held for the police. Or at least not nearly as often as we did way back when.

Also unlike the nineties, the potential for violent resistance is very real, a fact I know all-too-well from other contemporary assignments and safety advocacy.

As I did in the 'Gen X' days, I enjoy greeting patrons and inviting them to shop. I'm also looking for suspicious behavior and telltale signs of whether someone may intend to steal or be disruptive.

Creating retail safety in the 21st century is even more challenging-and stimulating-than it was in the nineties when I entered this security field.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Nadra Enzi aka Cap Black addresses 'anti safety' theory and policies through advocacy and consulting.