Here and there you get the story that is funny at the outset but upon further review it is no laughing matter. As I am an author and was in show business for a fair number of years, I do know a thing or two about dark humor. I also realize that dark or gallows humor is typically based on some grisly reality that we only laugh at the avoid some of the pain.
CNN reported the case where a security card was suspended from a Hollywood Department store for taking his job much too seriously. What did he do? Well, apparently a deaf customer walked out of the story with what might have been an article he hadn’t paid for. At least the alarm went off, which indicates that the person did have in his possession good that were not accounted for by the cashier. However, the suspected shoplifter, being deaf, didn’t hear the alarm. He kept right on walking.
Until an overzealous guard tackled the suspected shoplifter and put him to the ground, applying a stranglehold. The incident was captured by video cellphone. The suspected shoplifter’s lawyer is threatening to sue Forever 21 for excessive force. Now bear in mind that the suspected shoplifter, Alejandro Rea ,was convicted twice before on misdemeanor petty theft charges, in 2002 and 2008, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office said. And now because he resisted, Rea faces he faces felony second-degree robbery. His alleged violent resistance to the security guard and his prior arrest record apparently played a role in the more serious charge, the lawyer said.
So what a mess. Now perhaps there is an issue of training here. Perhaps before tapping the suspected shoplifter, the security guard could have tapped him on his shoulder to get his attention. Perhaps it terms of the security guard or security forces in general, besides the usual background checks it is necessary to provide sensitivity training, aptitude and psychological testing and other reports that would help employers best determine how well their candidates are fit for the job. Granted, most security guards are in law paying positions, and often they have maybe a high school diploma. So it would make sense the additional training would be helpful if not necesssary.
Now the store faces possible litigation if Rea’s attorney does move forward with a lawsuit contending that the guard used excessive force that was disproportionate to any shoplifting issues. The offset cost of one successful lawsuit may go a long way toward conducting additional background checks on job applicants, in terms of criminal records, psychological testing, and sensitivity training. Otherwise, an incident like this makes for embarrassing headlines and the possibility that someone in the melee could have caused another physical harm.
Like I said, it’s almost funny for a moment. But in a situation like this, nobody wins in the end. Check them out before you hire.
