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Diana C. Verdin
Loss Prevention Operations Coordinator
BCBG Max Azria
"Never
underestimate your ability to make someone else’s life
better –Even if you never know it." –Greg Louganis.
In my short six years of being a Loss Prevention (LP)
professional I have encountered many LP personalities
the arrogant, the ignorant, and the one that
underestimates the ability to make someone else’s life
better. I won’t write about the first two because terms
such as non-productive detainment, lawsuits, and
physical danger are part of both.
Loss Prevention professionals underestimate the fact
that what we do as LP professionals not only reduces
shrink or eliminates shoplifting. I was working for a
company as a field agent for over three years.
I encountered a group of 6 young men that made a bad
decision on July 4, 2010; I saw the young men enter the
store, even though they thought they were "young pros"
they were completely obvious and unaware that I was
watching them. I followed policy and procedure and
continued with my 5 steps prior to making the
apprehension. I proceeded with my apprehension and
apprehended 3 of the 6 men. I was neither arrogant nor
ignorant and treated the young men with respect, even
though they had made a mistake. One asked me "we are
going to jail, aren't we?" the other replied "we are.
They are going to see three young black men and they
will take us to jail."
Even though I have been reminded that we have to have
zero sympathy for shoplifters, it was different with
them. I told them everything would be ok, and decided to
speak to each of them; I asked them about their goals in
life and gave them scenarios of things that would happen
if they kept friendships with the wrong people. All
three were intelligent young men, they just needed
someone to believe and show them moral support. I
decided to ask the police officer to just cite them and
let them go; the officer complied.
Court day came for one of the boys; he was dressed in a
long sleeve and a nice tie. With him were his parents.
We took the same elevator up and when we took the exit
to the 3rd floor the young boy stopped me and said
"thank you." Even though he only said two words to me, I
underestimated what I had done for that young boy. Now I
know that I helped him change, and it only took respect
and words of wisdom from a LP professional to make a
change.
I underestimated my ability to make someone else’s life
better, and I didn't even know it...
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