If a security officer suspects someone is shoplifting, what should they do?

When a security officer suspects someone is shoplifting, the most appropriate action is to observe the individual and report. This approach is grounded in the principles of loss prevention and security practice. Observing allows the officer to gather valuable information about the individual's behavior, actions, and any items in their possession, which can provide clear evidence of suspicious activity.

Reporting the observations to a supervisor or the appropriate authorities ensures that the situation is handled in a controlled manner, which is crucial to maintaining safety for both customers and staff. This method minimizes the risk of confrontation, which could escalate into a volatile situation.

Confronting the individual directly can lead to potential conflicts, which is not advisable without sufficient backup or authority, as it puts both the security officer and the suspected shoplifter at risk. Calling the police immediately may be premature; the initial step is to confirm suspicions through careful observation before involving law enforcement. Ignoring the situation would allow theft to occur unchallenged, which contradicts the security officer's responsibilities. Thus, observing and reporting allows for appropriate action based on careful assessment of the situation.