A Paper Hook

 

Thursday, at the high-end retailer's discount store, a theft call is holding as I logon. They called in shoplifter in custody an hour and fifteen minutes ago. Day shift was too busy to take it, so I call the store. 

Is the subject still in custody?

"Yes."

What's the name?

Brenda Anderson.

Spell it, please.

Date of Birth?

"2/22/98"

Does she have ID?

"No."

The amount stolen?

"$119.91"

Great, I'll be there in fifteen. 

I run the gal and find her. She's has a vaild ID from a neighboring state. There are no warrants or wants. In November, her Aunt tried to report her a missing. Brenda ran off with her addict boyfriend and landed in the pond.

The aunt doesn't answer her phone. The voicemail box has not been set up, so I send a text. 

I write up a summons since jail isn't booking for misdemeanor thefts, put the case number on my business card, and drive to the store. 

Staff greets me. They know me well. I 've coached them on how to write their reports and what I expect to see.

In Loss Prevention, Brenda is handcuffed, right wrist attached to bar on a cement bench she's sitting on. She is crying. Her face is still soft. There are no sores. She's clean and still has her teeth. 

I introduce myself to her, explain she is being arrested for Theft in the Second Degree, she is custody, and will be issued a summons to appear for a crime.

Do you understand?

She nods and says, "Yes."

I produce my Miranda Card from my breast pocket and read Brenda's constitutional rights to her. 

When I am done, I ask, Are you willing to speak to me?

Did you take the $119 worth of product from the store?

"Yes."

Is it for you or are you going to sell it on the street?

"It was a gift for a friend."

Are you using?

"Yes."

What's your poison?

"Heroin."

Do you smoke it?

"I inject."

How much are using a day? 10?

"20."

Where are you living?

"In a tent in the Alphabet District."

You aunt is worried about you. She tried to file a missing report. I am going to let her know you are okay, but you should reach out to her. 

"I know. I will."

It is rare to have family who cares.

"I know." 

I give her addiction and domestic abuse resources. 

You are still young and have time, but by the time you are 28, things will be hard. 

She looks down. She knows.

Per the store, she was with her boyfriend, the one she ran away with, using foil wrapped bags to steal clothing. He left her there after she was caught. They are stealing to feed their habit. She'll probably get beat for getting caught. 

The LP gives me her report and a DVD with the captured theft on it. 

I issue her the citation and tell her court date, time, and location. 

What happens if you do not go to court?

There will be a warrant for my arrest.

And you are trespassed from the store and all stores of the same. Do you understand?

Yes. 

Now, I am going to unhandcuff you and we are going to walk out as if it was a day in the park. If you cause problems, I am will be very grumpy, and you will not like me grumpy.

I escort her out of the store and send her on her way. 

After she's gone.  tell the LP, I understand the store's policy, but the DA will drop the case. To them, it is not a serious crime.

I leave, lodge the evidence, and write up the report. 

 

 

 

Comments

[fritz]

"NO!"
,"They wouldn't do that!",..
Usually leads to "Do that or else the Camp Freddy."

"bent or fired:

Just my opinion Sir

[fritz]

Is stealing bred dealt with so 'harshly'?
ohhs no!
Police used to enact policy instead of the law?
Who woulda figgered.

[fritz]

I always thought the first and worst crime was a lie.
That it all started with a lie
and became more sins.
Nothing special though;
just honesty
greed;
basically all seven from one

Pride,
and to be ruled by.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTbRsGRWZW0