Target AP Directives 2006

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Target AP Directives

Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006

PREFACE

A. Directives

Assets Protection (AP) Directives are the basic guidelines by which we conduct our business. As an AP team member, you are expected to follow the Assets Protection Directives at all times. Violation of any Directive shall be handled according to the applicable coaching and corrective action policy (see Corporate Policies - Counseling and Corrective Action).

Directives are to be followed by all team members and if you are instructed to violate a Directive you must immediately notify your supervisor. If the order involves your supervisor, notify the next level AP team member.

The Directives are in addition to, and not intended to supersede any company policies and procedures. The Directives are not contracts, expressed or implied. Following the Directives does not guarantee continued employment by Target.

NOTE:If you become involved in situations that are not covered by a Directive, you are expected to act in Target’s best interests and in a manner that avoids liability.

B. Note, Caution, Warning Statements

Note, Warning and Caution statements are used within the Directives to emphasize important and critical information. AP team members must read these statements to help ensure their safety and the safety of other team members and guests.

1. Note - A Note is a statement used to notify people of information that is important, but not hazard related.

2. Caution - A Caution indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injuries.

3. Warning - A Warning indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

C. Revision Number/Effective Dates/Highlighted Text

Each directive shall be noted with a Revision Number, the Effective Date of the revision and Change bars.

1. Revision Number - Directive revisions will be sequential indicating the number and year of the revision (example: 01-2006 = the first revision in 2006, 02-2006 = the second revision in 2006, etc.).

2. Effective Date - All Directives shall include the date the revision becomes effective.

3. Highlighted Text - Highlighted text (red font) is used to indicate changes within the current revision . This allows for easier review so the user can identify areas that have been modified.

AP GENERAL POLICIES
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006

A. Confidentiality

AP incidents and cases contain sensitive material that must be treated as confidential. In addition, all AP team members must adhere to the following rules regarding confidentiality:
1. All information regarding investigations is considered confidential and shall not be discussed with persons not involved with the investigation.
2. Information received from law enforcement is considered confidential and may not be discussed with persons not involved with the investigation.
3. Information received from background screening, drug screening, previous employers, proprietary systems, team members’ files and other similar information is considered confidential and is not to be discussed with any persons not involved in the investigation.

Requests for this information by law enforcement shall be referred to the manager or
District Assets Protection Leader (DAPTL)/Distribution Group Assets Protection Leader
(Distribution GAPTL).

B. Information Security

AP team members are required to ensure the security of Target’s confidential information by using that information appropriately and safeguarding it. All Information that Target creates, stores, transmits, or uses in conducting its business is the exclusive property of Target.

1. Computers/Laptops/PDAs/Treos - Target computers contain sensitive information and steps must be taken to ensure the protection of that information at all times.
a. Passwords - Never share passwords with other people, your password shall be
used for your access only.
b. Computer Access - Ensure access to your computer is locked when leaving it
unattended.
c. Do not leave laptops/PDAs and Treos in exposed areas when traveling
(examples:In a car, hotel room, in checked luggage, etc.).
Target’s Information Security Policy can be found online at TGT under the Company & Culture tab.

C. Knowledge of Wrongdoing

AP team members will immediately bring to the attention of the appropriate Target team member (supervisor, next level supervisor, Human Resources, Integrity Hotline, etc.) knowledge of any:

1. Theft of any Target assets.
2. Falsification of Apprehension/Recovery reports.
3. Deviation from approved apprehension procedures.
4. Failure to report a Non-Productive Incident (NPI).
5. Detrimental conduct in violation of company polices, including but not limited to:
a. Possession or use of alcohol on company property.
b. Possession or use of a controlled substance on company property.
c. Possession or use of a weapon on company property.
6. Harassment.

D. Crimes Against Property/Persons

AP members must report any crimes against person and crimes against property occurring on Target property.

NOTE: This Directive does NOT apply to merchandise vadalism cases. Loss to Target property (including merchandise) is reportable via the Property Loss Program.

1. Documentation - The following documentation shall be required following any crime against a person or property:
a. Enter all cases into Common Incident Reporting System (CIRS) within 24 hours
of the incident, documenting the type of incident, parties involved and any actions
taken by AP and/or Target.
b. Obtain witness statements from all team members who were witness to the
incident.
c. Request copies of any police/mall security reports and retain in the case file.
d. Complete a post Serious Incident Report/NPI Follow-up Report when requested.
Return one copy to HQ and retain a second copy in the case file.

2. Notification
a. Notify the DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL of all crimes against persons and any
recurring crimes against property (i.e. patterns of car theft/vandalism).
b. Notify the STL in all cases of property loss. It shall be the STL’s responsibility to
ensure the appropriate Property Loss Reports are completed.
c. Notify the Guest Reporting Center.
d. Call Alert One (see Emergency Procedures Flip chart).
E. Minimum Age for AP Team Members

All AP team members must be at least 18 years of age at the time they are hired.

F. Conflict of Interest

Target AP team members may have full or part-time employment elsewhere, unless that employment would result in a conflict of interest as defined by Target’s Business Ethics - Code of Conduct and/or any additional items listed in this section.

AP team members shall be aware of the contents of the Business Conduct Guide and the provisions of the Guide with respect to Conflict of Interest, including Target’s policy on vendor gifts and other potential conflicts.

1. Existing Conflict
a. A Conflict of Interest exists when one (1) or more of the following apply:
1. An AP team member is employed by another business that competes
with Target or in a security position with another retailer that involves
apprehending shoplifters or dishonest team members
2. An AP team member’s other employment interferes with the ability to
perform essential functions of the job at Target.
3. An AP team member’s other employment conflicts with scheduling or court
commitments.
4. An AP team member’s other employment is a paid, sworn law enforcement
position where a team member is employed by a government entity (sheriff,
deputy sheriff, peace officer, etc.) in any community (due to the nature of
the work responsibilities).
5. An AP team member’s other employment is with a company with which
Target does business, if interaction with Target would be required or could
occur.

2. AP Team Members working in Non-AP Roles - Due to the unique responsibilities
associated with Assets Protection, AP team members are NOT permitted to work in
Non-AP positions within the same store.

NOTE: AP team members may work additional hours in a Non-AP position at an alternate store or Distribution Center (DC).

G. Court Testimony Payments

1. In some jurisdictions, AP team members may receive a fee from the court for appearing
as a witness on behalf of the State, County or City for cases stemming from or related to their employment as Target team members.
2. Any witness fee checks shall be turned over to the Executive Team Leader - Assets
Protection (ETL-AP) or Assets Protection Group Leader (APGL) for deposit into the
appropriate account used to off-set business expenses. The DAPTL or Distribution
GAPTL shall provide the ETL-AP/APGL with the appropriate account information.
3. The ETL-AP shall partner with HR regarding payroll related questions for team
members and former team members testifying on behalf of Target.
H. Team Member Package/Locker Checks

Target reserves the right to monitor or inspect work areas or items that team members bring to work, like coats, purses, backpacks, bags or packages. Target also reserves the right to monitor or conduct inspections of work areas and/or personal property at any time.

This section outlines procedures for conducting team member package/locker checks.

1. Team member package/locker checks shall be conducted by an AP team member,
the Leader on Duty or contracted guards (at DCs).
2. Each store/DC shall have a designated location for team members and partner business
team members to secure packages while the team members are working.
3. Package checks of team members/partner business team members shall be performed
at the door as the team member exits after their scheduled shift.
4. A witness (example Leader on Duty, another AP team member, etc.) must be present
when conducting team member package/locker checks.
5. All vendor packages shall be checked at the service desk.
6. Team members shall not be allowed to keep any purchases or personal packages in
their work area or adjacent stockroom.
7. All team members/partner business team members must have the original sales receipt in the package/shopping bag.

APPREHENSION GUIDELINES

Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006

A. Purpose

This section lists the steps that MUST be followed in order for an AP team member to make a shoplifting apprehension. All steps must be observed, unless otherwise noted, and a detailed description of each step documented in the CIRS case narrative.
B. Certification
Only certified AP team members are authorized to apprehend or assist in the apprehension of shoplifters. Certification is received upon the completion of the following AP Academy courses:

1. Nonviolent Crisis Intervention R - must be completed within 30 days of hire date.
2. Position's Basic Training Courses
3. External Apprehension Certification

C. Five Steps for Apprehension
Certified AP team members must observe all five steps prior to making a shoplifter apprehension.

NOTE: If local law enforcement takes independent action and makes an apprehension before all five steps are met, the details must be documented in the CIRS report.

1. Initiation of Observation - The subject must enter the store/area without possession of Target merchandise.
2. Selection - The subject must be observed selecting Target merchandise from the display location.
3. Concealment - The subject must be observed concealing the merchandise, or the AP team member must have NO reasonable doubt based on observations that the merchandise has been concealed by the subject.

NOTE: If the merchandise is not actually concealed, it must be exposed as the subject exits or attempts to exit the store.

4. Maintain Observation - The AP team member must maintain sufficient surveillance of the subject in order to know the location of the merchandise and ensure the subject does not discard the merchandise.

NOTE: A Productive Merchandise Recovery (PMR) shall be attempted if surveillance is broken for any reason, or the AP team member can not maintain sufficient surveillance. (See PMR Directive).

5. Failure to Pay for Merchandise/Exiting the Store -AP team member(s) must observe the subject attempt to exit the store without paying for the merchandise.

NOTE: Some jurisdictions allow variances from the exiting requirement to allow apprehensions of concealed merchandise before an individual reaches the building’s exit. In these cases, the requirements must be documented and approved by the Director or Vice President of Assets Protection using the “Variance from Exiting Form” (found on the AP Zone).


SAFENESS - SUBJECT WITH A WEAPON

Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose

The safety of Target team members and guests is our highest priority. Exercising appropriate caution in the process of making an apprehension is critical.

B. Subject with a Weapon

1. Weapon - A weapon is defined as any object that could potentially be used against a team member or guest. Weapons include, but are not limited to, box cutters, knives,
scissors, screw drivers, hand guns, stun guns, chemical agents and clubs.
2. If a weapon is used or displayed, or if any AP team member has reason to believe a
subject is in possession of a weapon during any of the five apprehension steps:
a. Back away and do not attempt to make an apprehension.

WARNING: Do not put another team member at risk by requesting the subject be “Guest Serviced”.

CAUTION: If subject is observed cutting merchandise with an unknown object, treat that object as a weapon and follow steps listed in 2. above.

b. Contact law enforcement and advise:
1. Your name and title,
2. Your phone number,
3. Store location / address,
4. Description and location of the subject, and
5. Type of weapon being used by the subject.

NOTE: If law enforcement cannot respond, allow the subject to leave the store and document the subject’s description,subject’s vehicle description and any merchandise taken from the store, and document the case in CIRS as a Known Theft Report (KTR).

c. Return to the AP office and maintain surveillance of the subject via Closed
Circuit Television (CCTV).
d. Document the case in CIRS using the steps outlined in the Documentation
section:
1. If law enforcement makes an apprehension, document the case as a merchandise theft.
2. If law enforcement is not available, allow the subject to leave and document the case in CIRS as a KTR.
3. If you are confronted or threatened by a subject armed with a weapon:
a. Immediately attempt to disengage from the subject.
b. Allow the subject to exit the store.
c. If necessary, use the verbal de-escalation skills taught in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention R training.
d. Contact law enforcement, your DAPTL and Alert One
1. Any incident that results in a serious injury to a team member, guest or
detained subject must be communicated to Alert One immediately and
reported electronically by the LOD.
e. Document the case appropriately in CIRS (threat or assault) using the steps
outlined in the Documentation section.

NOTE: Following any altercation, the AP team member(s) involved shall review the occurrence with their supervisor and the ETL-HR for safeness and procedural compliance and to determine if any further training is required.

C. Use of Weapons, Chemicals or Body Armor by a Team Member

1. Weapons - AP team members are prohibited from possessing or using any type of
weapon while on company property.
a. Team members are prohibited from using any type of AP/Target equipment
(radio, handcuffs, etc.) as a weapon.
b. Team members are prohibited from possessing or using saps, nightsticks,
billy clubs, blue jacks or other similar devices on company property, which
includes the parking lot, at any time, whether on or off duty.
2. Chemicals - AP team members are prohibited form possessing or using chemical
protection devices, other than for personal protection to and from work. (Examples: Mace, pepper spray. etc.)

NOTE: All chemical protection devices must be secured in a Non-Assets Protection area during the team member’s work shift

3. Body Armor - AP team members are prohibited from wearing bulletproof vests or other body armor equipment while on duty.

NOTE: Contracted guard services working on company premises may carry defensive weapons or a firearm only as authorized by the Director/Vice President of Assets Protection.




SAFENESS - REASONABLE FORCE / PHYSICAL ALTERCATIONS

Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006

A. Reasonable Force

1. Reasonable Force is defined as the least amount of physical force necessary to make an apprehension, while ensuring the safety of bystanders and yourself. When making an apprehension, Reasonable Force may be used to protect AP / Target team members and guests (bystanders).
2. If an AP team member believes a subject poses a physical threat, handcuffing guidelines (outlined in the Handcuff Directive) shall be followed and law enforcement contacted immediately.

B. Physical Altercation

If an altercation occurs:
1. Immediately attempt to disengage from the subject.
2. Allow the subject to exit the store.
3. If necessary use Nonviolent Crisis Intervention R training.
4. Contact law enforcement and Alert One.
a. Any incident that results in a serious injury to a team member, guest or detained subject must be communicated to Alert One immediately and a Guest Service Report filed.
5. Communicate the incident to the Store Team Leader (STL) and/or Leader on Duty, your DAPTL and HR as soon as possible.
6. Document the case appropriately in CIRS (threat or assault) using the steps outlined in the Documentation section.

NOTE: Following any altercation, the AP team member(s) involved shall review the occurrence with their supervisor and the ETL-HR for safeness and procedural compliance and to determine if any further training is required.


SURVEILLANCE

Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006

A. General Guidelines
1. Surveillance conducted by AP team members of any individual shall be based only on the actions and behaviors of the individual.
2. Surveillance shall not be based on individual characteristics such as age, gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, religion, etc.

B. Certification
Only certified AP team members are authorized to conduct physical and/or CCTV surveillance. Certification is received upon the completion of the CCTV training outlined in the AP Academy Basic Training.

C. Surveillance Equipment
Surveillance equipment is defined as any audio or video equipment that assists in the monitoring and/or recording of an individual’s actions or words.
1. Surveillance equipment is the property of Target and shall ONLY be used by AP team members for approved company use. Improper use of equipment (example: using cameras to follow guests or team members for non-AP reasons) is prohibited, any AP team member caught using surveillance equipment in an inappropriate manner is subject to applicable coaching and corrective action.
2. Requests to use surveillance equipment for business purposes other than AP-related investigations must be approved by the DAPTL / Distribution GAPTL.
3. The store ETL-AP/APGL is responsible for all surveillance equipment including the proper use, location and maintenance of all equipment.
4. Video Footage - All video footage captured in by AP surveillance equipment is property of Target and shall only be used for evidentiary purposes. Any misuse, misrepresentation or manipulation of video footage by any team member is subject to applicable coaching and corrective action.

NOTE: AP surveillance is confidential and access to view the video shall only be granted to individuals with proper approval. AP team members shall partner with DAPTL (external cases) and DAPTL and HR (internal cases) prior to allowing anyone other than AP team members working on the investigation or law enforcement to view AP video.
a. Old videotapes that are no longer usable shall be destroyed by cutting the tape and removing the ribbon.
5. Public View Monitors
a. Recording of all Public View (and Exit View where applicable) monitors is required 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for digital and non-digital stores.
b. Public/Exit View images shall be retained for a minimum of 31 days for all stores.
6. Fitting Rooms / Restrooms - Target does not allow the use of surveillance equipment in or over fitting rooms or restrooms, or allow surveillance equipment to be positioned in such a way to provide the opportunity to monitor fitting rooms or restrooms.
7. Executive’s / Supervisor’s Office - Audio or video equipment may not be placed in or over an executive’s or supervisor’s office without prior approval from the Director / Vice President of Assets Protection and HR.
8. Tape Recorders - Tape recorders and other listening devices shall not be used by store based AP team members. Recorders may be used by Investigations team members, procedures are outlined in the Investigations Directives.
D. Critical vs. Non-Critical Equipment
AP surveillance equipment is divided into two categories, critical and non-critical. The ETL-AP/APGL shall be responsible for ensuring all equipment is properly maintained and repaired according to the requirements/time lines listed below:

1. Critical Equipment is defined as devices which impact safeness strategies.
a. Critical equipment includes:
1. Exterior cameras, including Pan, Tilt and Zoom (PTZ) and fixed cameras used for parking lot surveillance.
2. Entrance/exit cameras, including trucker’s door, team member entrance (where applicable) and front entrance public view monitors.
3. Other public view monitors including fitting rooms, guest service and where applicable Garden Centers.
4. AP Booking room camera, Cash Office camera, Front Lane and Guest Service Desk camera.
b. Critical equipment must be repaired within 48 hours of the reported breakdown.
c. Any breakdown of critical equipment must be reported to the DAPTL immediately.
2. Non-Critical equipment is defined as all other AP surveillance equipment.
a. Non-critical equipment must be repaired within 72 hours of the reported breakdown.
3. The DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL must be notified immediately if timing for repairs of critical or non-critical equipment exceed the time limits listed above.
E. Off-site Surveillance
AP stores team members are not authorized to conduct off-site (outside of Target property) surveillance. Off-site surveillance may only be conducted by a certified Investigations team member, pursuant to Investigations Directives.

PRODUCTIVE MERCHANDISE RECOVERIES (PMRS)

Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
In situations where not all five apprehension steps can be observed, and it is safe to do so, the AP team member(s) shall attempt a Productive Merchandise Recovery.


If the AP team member is able to recover the merchandise, the incident shall be documented in CIRS as a PMR - Productive Merchandise Recovery. If the AP team member is unable to recover the merchandise, the incident shall be documented in CIRS as a KTR - Known Theft Report.

WARNING: A PMR shall not be attempted if the subject is in possession, or believed to be in possession, of a weapon. In these cases the AP team member shall ensure the subject is captured on video and shall attempt to get vehicle information (make, model, license plate number) as the subject exits the store.

1. During a PMR an AP team member may:
a. Contact another non-AP team member, wearing red and khaki, to initiate guest service without reveal the reason for the request.
b. Make themselves visible to the guest as a deterrent.
c. Contact a Sales team member or research in store registers to determine if an item was purchased.
d. Ask an uniformed AP team member (TPS or ETL-AP) to stand by the exit doors to act as a deterrent.
2. During a PMR an AP team member may NOT:
a. Initiate a PMR, ask another team member to initiate a PMR or ask a non-AP team member to guest service the subject if they believe the subject is in possession of a weapon.
b. Touch an individual or anything they are carrying.
c. Ask for merchandise or make accusations of theft of merchandise.
d. Ask another team member to accuse, remove merchandise or make inappropriate gestures to the individual.
3. If the guest initiates interaction with an AP team member:
a. Verbally identify yourself as Assets Protection, but do not show identification.
b. If the guest pursues the conversation, refer the guest to store management for resolution.
4. All PMRs shall be entered into CIRS using the steps outlined in the Documentation section.

TARGET PROTECTION SPECIALIST (TPS) MERCHANDISE RECOVERIES

Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
Uniformed TPS team members may conduct receipt checks and EAS responses at Target store exits when a guest is departing the store with high dollar / high theft exposed merchandise (receipt checks) or when an EAS alarm sounds as the guest exits the building.
B. During a TPS Merchandise Receipt Check
1. The Uniformed TPS may:
a. Check receipts for high dollar / high theft exposed merchandise.
2. The Uniformed TPS may NOT:
a. Check bagged items to determine whether or not something has been concealed or paid for.
b. Create an EAS Alarm in order to check the purchases or bags of a guest or team member. Creating an alarm includes but is not limited to:

1. Turning the system off and back on to cause an audible signal when a guest/team member walks through the pedestals.
2. Affixing or placing a live EAS tag onto or onto a purchase by a guest/team member.
3. An AP team member walking through a pedestal with an EAS tag at the same time a guest or team member is exiting the store.
4. Any other manipulation of the EAS system to cause an alarm.

3. Whenever possible, TPS receipt checks shall take place inside the building.

4. If a guest becomes uncooperative during a receipt check:
a. Apologize and allow the guest to leave with the merchandise.
b. Get a description of the guest and vehicle and document in the CIRS report.


NOTE: TPS Merchandise Receipts checks are only to be conducted by uniformed TPS team members. APS team members may not conduct merchandise receipt checks. If a uniformed TPS is not available, the LOD, GSTL or ETL-AP shall follow the outlined procedures; other team members are not permitted to conduct receipt checks.

C. Documenting TPS Merchandise Recoveries
The following procedures shall be followed by the TPS when documenting any TPS recovery or attempted TPS recovery.

1. Each TPS Recovery must be documented in CIRS.
a. Cases shall be identified as “Other” / “TPS Merch Recovery”.
b. Note the time, date and location of the recovery (example: 11:03 am, November 27, Green exit).
c. List all merchandise recovered.
d. Do not add multiple recoveries to the same report; each TPS recovery shall be entered as a single incident with a unique CIRS case number.

NOTE: CIRS reports may be called upon if a case goes to criminal or civil trial and therefore are incident specific and shall only contain a single incident.

D. EAS Alarm Response
If an EAS alarm sounds, the uniformed TPS shall follow the procedures outlined below. If a uniformed TPS is not available, the LOD, GSTL or ETL-AP shall follow the outlined procedures; other team members are not permitted to respond to EAS alarms.

1. Guests with visible purchases:
a. Approach guest and conduct merchandise receipt check to verify purchases and deactivation of EAS tags.
1. If you find the item on the receipt, deactivate the item and allow the guest to leave.
2. If the item is not on the receipt, ask the guest if they would like to purchase the item.
3. If the guest does not have, or cannot find a receipt, ask the guest which cashier rang up their purchase and verify with the cashier. If the purchase cannot be verified, contact another AP team member for assistance.
4. Searches of a subject’s personal possessions (example: purse) for evidence (merchandise) is not allowed unless the subject initiates the search or requests an AP team member to inspect their possessions.

NOTE: If the guest becomes uncooperative, allow the guest to leave. Obtain a description of the guest and guest’s vehicle and enter it in CIRS.

2. Guest with NO visible purchases:

a. Approach guest and conduct merchandise receipt check to verify purchases and deactivation of EAS tags.
1. If the guest does not have any purchases, ask if they have an electronic key - if so ask to see it.
2. Ask if guest has merchandise from another store - if so ask if they would like it deactivated.
3. If the guest does not have merchandise or an electronic key, allow them to leave the store.
4. If guest shows you Target merchandise that has not been paid for, ask if they would like to purchase the merchandise and allow them to purchase the item(s). If the guest refuses to purchase the item, ask for the merchandise back.
5. Searches of a subject’s personal possessions (example: purse) for evidence (merchandise) is not allowed unless the subject initiates the search or requests an AP team member to inspect their possessions.

NOTE: If the guest becomes uncooperative, allow the guest to leave. Obtain a description of the guest and guest’s vehicle and enter it in CIRS.

APPREHENSIONS

Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
This section covers directives outlining the different types of external apprehensions and the AP team member requirements for each type.
B. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Apprehensions
Certified AP team members may make shoplifting apprehensions utilizing CCTV provided each of the following guidelines are followed:

1. The five steps for apprehension have been observed and can be documented by an AP team member.
2. The incident, or any portion of the incident is captured/recorded using non-time lapsed Target CCTV with sufficient surveillance maintained by AP team member(s) to observe the five steps.

NOTE: When two or more AP team members are involved, one team member shall maintain camera surveillance while the second team member makes the apprehension on the floor. If only one AP team member is on duty and is required to discontinue camera surveillance and go to the selling floor, the AP team member can not make the apprehension because sufficient surveillance will have been lost. If appropriate, attempt a PMR.

3. All documentation steps shall be followed to preserve evidence, including retention of all applicable video.
C. Service Desk Apprehensions
Shoplifter apprehensions involving Service Desk transactions shall only be made in the following circumstances.

1. All five apprehension steps have been observed by AP team member.
2. If the subject interacts with the Service Desk, the interaction has nothing to do with the shoplifting apprehension. (Example: After the first four apprehension steps are observed, the subject approaches the Service Desk to ask a team member a question, not related to the shoplifted merchandise. Then the subject attempts to leave the store with the merchandise. AP team member apprehends as subject exits the store.)
3. Single incidents where the DAPTL is contacted for approval prior to making the apprehension. In these cases the following steps must be clearly documented in the CIRS report, in addition to standard requirements:
a. The AP team member must have public view video clearly showing the subject entering the store WITHOUT the merchandise and later approaching the Service Desk with the merchandise.
b. The time and date the DAPTL was contacted for approval.
c. All video footage of the incident including entry of store, selection and apprehension. All video must be retained with case file.
4. Incidents where a person or group of individuals have known theft activity in an area and where the DAPTL has given prior permission to a SPECIFIC AP team member to make an apprehension. The incident must be documented as follows:
a. The AP team member must have public view video clearly showing the subject entering the store WITHOUT the merchandise and later approaching the Service Desk with the merchandise.
b. The time and date the DAPTL was contacted for approval.
c. All video footage of the incident including entry of store, selection and apprehension. All video must be retained with case file.


NOTE: Under NO circumstances are AP team members allowed to contact Service Desk team members in order to influence the outcome of a transaction.

D. Restroom / Fitting Room Apprehensions
AP team members are not allowed to conduct surveillance or make apprehensions in restroom and/or fitting rooms.
1. AP team members are not allowed to follow subject’s into a restroom or fitting room to conduct surveillance.
2. AP team members shall not ask another team member to enter a fitting room or restroom to conduct surveillance.

E. Transactional Fraud Apprehensions

Transactional fraud is defined as “using transactional documents dishonestly to cause a loss to Target”. Transactional documents include; checks, credit cards, gift cards, merchandise vouchers and coupons.
Certified AP team members may make Transactional Fraud apprehensions only when ALL of the following conditions are met:
1. The AP team member has completed required training listed below:
a. Position's Basic Training Courses,
b. External Apprehension Certification and
c. Transactional Fraud Apprehension Training.

2. The AP team member has verified the transactional fraud.
3. The AP team member has pre-approval to make the transactional fraud apprehension from their Group Assets Protection Team Leader (GAPTL), DAPTL or Assets Protection Investigations Team Leader.
4. The pre-approval must include specific guidelines under which the apprehension shall be made, for example; the subject’s name, description and or account number, verification of the fraud from the account holder or bank or institution issues the transactional document.

NOTE: If the AP team member does not have pre-approval but observes behaviors that indicate an individual may be engaging in transactional fraud, the AP team member must contact one of the partners listed in 3. above and give details of the transaction in order to obtain approval prior to attempting apprehension.

F. Vendor/Partner Business Team Member Apprehensions
1. A Vendor team member is defined as: “A person who delivers a product or provides a service to Target. Vendor team members typically do not wear Red and Khaki. Vendor team members do not receive Point of Sale (POS) training or have access to the POS system.” These cases are coded in CIRS as "External" cases. (Examples of Vendor team members: product representatives such as Coke or Pepsi, etc.)
2. A Partner Business team member is defined as a person who works within the four walls of a Target store/DC, but is not employed by Target. These cases are coded in CIRS as "Internal" cases. (Examples of Partner Business Team Members: Optical team members, team members working in Life Touch Studios, Minute Clinic team members, janitorial service team members, etc.)

AP team members are responsible for knowing which Partner Business team members conduct business in their buildings. When investigating a Partner Business team member, it is important to determine who employs an individual and whether Target assets, the Partner Business assets or both are involved. If there is any doubt regarding who employees an individual, contact Human Resources.

3. Vendor/Partner Business team member apprehensions shall be made using the following guidelines:
a. When the five steps for apprehension have been met:
1. The matter shall be handled like an external shoplifting incident.
2. If the vendor/partner business team member is working at a Target store/DC during non-business hours the vendor team member
may be apprehended as they are exiting the store/DC at the end of their work shift.
3. The DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL shall be advised that a vendor/partner business apprehension has occurred.
b. In cases where the five steps for apprehension have not been met:
1. The DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL shall be contacted to discuss the extent of the investigation and determine the appropriate course of action.
2. The DAPT/Distribution GAPTL will decide whether or not the vendor/partner business team member shall be interviewed to determine the scope of the theft.
NOTE: All interviews of vendor/partner business team members shall be conducted by the ETL-AP/APGL or DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL.
4. Contacting the vendor/partner business team member’s employer:
a. All contact with employer of the vendor/partner business team member shall be handled or coordinated by the DAPTL/APGL.
b. The DAPTL/APGL may contact the vendor/partner business company to inform them of the team member apprehension.
c. The DAPTL/APGL will inform the vendor/partner business that the apprehended team member is no longer permitted to provide service to ANY Target store/DC.
NOTE: Target will not request the vendor/partner business terminate any apprehended team member; the call is to only to inform the vendor/partner business that the particular team member is not allowed to return to provide service at a Target store/DC.

NOTE:Target will not participate in any decision by the Partner Business regarding the apprehended team member’s employment.
5. When investigating a cash loss, partner with your Centralized Sales Auditor for assistance with recovery opportunities.

HANDCUFF USE
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
AP team members who have successfully completed the Handcuff training shall be provided handcuffs to be used during an apprehension when a subject becomes violent or a danger to others.
B. Handcuff Use
1. AP team members may not carry or use handcuffs unless they have successfully completed the approved Target AP handcuff training program.
2. Handcuffs shall only be used in the following situations:
a. The subject being apprehended becomes violent,
b. The subject attempts to break away from the custody of the AP team member, or
c. There is reason to believe the subject may become violent or may pose a risk to the safety of AP team members, other Target team members or guests.

3. Handcuffs shall not be applied until the AP team member(s) is able to maintain reasonable control of the subject. If the AP team member(s) can not maintain control of the subject while handcuffing, the team member shall abort the apprehension.
4. The subject’s hands shall only be handcuffed behind them, and the handcuffs shall be double locked.
5. A subject shall not be handcuffed to another person or to any object (chair, car, etc.), except for handcuff bars in AP offices that are equipped with them.
6. A handcuffed subject shall never be left unattended.
7. Once a subject is handcuffed, the handcuffs shall only be removed in the presence of a law enforcement officer.
8. Handcuffs and handcuff keys are the property of Target and shall not be taken home by team members.

NON-PRODUCTIVE INCIDENTS
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
A Non-Productive Incident (NPI) is defined as an apprehension that is initiated where no Target merchandise is recovered. This section outlines the steps that must be followed after any NPI.
B. NPIs Involving an Adult
The following outlines the steps that must be taken by AP team members after a NPI occurs:
1. Release the guest - Once it is determined that a guest suspected of shoplifting does not have merchandise, the guest must be released immediately. The AP team member(s) involved shall apologize to the guest for any inconvenience, and allow the guest to leave the store. If the guest requests to speak to a manager, refer the guest to the Leader on Duty (LOD).
2. Contact the DAPTL to inform that a NPI has occurred in the store.
3. Document the incident in CIRS as a NPI - Non-Productive Incident.
4. AP team member(s) involved must write out a chronological list of events identifying:
a. The five steps of apprehension observed (as applicable).
b. An attempt to identify where the subject may have discarded the merchandise and, if merchandise can be located, investigate how the AP team member did not observe the discard.
5. Partner with the ETL-AP/DAPTL and ETL-HR on corrective action.‘
6. Retain ALL video of the event as outlined in “Documentation Steps”

NOTE: Video of NPIs shall be retained with case files for a period of 7 years.
C. NPIs Involving a Juvenile
In cases involving a juvenile, all steps in B. above shall be followed. In addition, AP team members shall use good judgement when releasing a juvenile to ensure they may safely leave the premises (example: not allowing a juvenile to leave the store unescorted if the apprehension took place during daylight hours and it has since become dark). In these cases, the AP team member may choose to contact the juvenile’s parent or another responsible party.

SEARCHES OF PERSONS, PRIVATE RESIDENCES OR MOTOR VEHICLES
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Searches of Persons
1. AP team members are not allowed to conduct physical searches of subjects. Physical searches may only be conducted by law enforcement.
2. Searches of a subject’s personal possessions (example: purse) for evidence (merchandise) is not allowed unless the subject initiates the search or requests an AP team member to inspect their possessions. CIRS narrative must be documented to indicate subject requested possessions to be searched by AP team member.
B. Searches of Private Residence or Motor Vehicles
1. AP team members will NOT participate in a search of a private residence or motor vehicle.
2. At the request of law enforcement, AP team members may provide assistance in identifying company merchandise.
a. GAPTL approval is required prior to AP team members assisting in any search assistance as outlined in B. 2. above.
b. If the assistance criteria listed above is met, the role of the AP team member is to only answer questions and/or verify Target merchandise.


PURSUIT OF SHOPLIFTERS
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
Shoplifter apprehensions are to be handled in a professional manner and as discreetly as possible. Safety of guests and team members always comes first.

1. Fleeing Shoplifter
a. If a shoplifter attempts to flee after being confronted, do not give chase in any manner (running, driving, etc.).
b. Store based AP team members shall not use any vehicle to follow or pursue a subject for any reason.
c. AP team members shall not encourage, condone, suggest or ask another Target team member or anyone else to chase a fleeing shoplifter.
2. Documentation
a. If a shoplifter flees, the AP team member shall document the incident in CIRS as a Known Theft Report using the steps outlined in the Documentation section of this manual.



LAW ENFORCEMENT REFERRAL GUIDELINES
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. General Referral Guidelines
1. The ETL-AP shall be responsible for partnering with local law enforcement / prosecutors office annually to determine the prosecution requirements for their jurisdiction and must have a completed Prosecutor’s Questionnaire on file in the Assets Protection office. The Prosecutor’s Questionnaire shall be updated annually to ensure the most current practices are being followed and a copy of the Questionnaire shall be kept in the local AP Office.
2. AP shall refer for prosecution all individuals apprehended for retail theft when the value of the merchandise is $20.00 or greater and the case meets local prosecution requirements.
NOTE: If a case meets/exceeds the $20.00 referral guideline, but is NOT referred, the reason for non-referral must be included in the CIRS narrative. (Example: Local jurisdiction limits require merchandise in excess of $75.00 in order for prosecution.)
3. A team member witness, of the same gender of the suspected shoplifter , must be present in the room at all times during the detention.
B. Juvenile Referral Guidelines
A juvenile is typically defined as an individual who is under the age of eighteen (18).

1. Juveniles apprehended for retail theft shall be referred for prosecution under the same guidelines as adults.
2. In addition to guidelines listed in A. above, the following referral procedures also apply to juvenile cases:
a. When a juvenile is referred for prosecution, a parent/guardian or responsible adult party shall be notified of the incident after responding authorities have arrived and taken custody of the juvenile.
b. AP team members shall make at least two (2) attempts to contact the parent or responsible party. If the juvenile’s parent/guardian cannot be contacted, the juvenile shall be turned over to the police. The CIRS report shall be noted with the time/date of attempted contact, phone number(s) called, and to whom the juvenile was released.
c. If law enforcement does not respond to requests for assistance, contact your DAPTL for guidance.
d. Apprehended juveniles shall not be photographed, unless required by local jurisdiction.

NOTE: Any juvenile NOT referred to authorities must have a parent/guardian or responsible adult party contacted immediately. If the parent or responsible party cannot be contacted within one half-hour (30 minutes) and after three attempts to reach them, contact law enforcement and release the juvenile to them. Document the number of attempted contacts, contact number and to whom the juvenile was released in the CIRS narrative.

C. Team Member Referral Guidelines
In addition to the General Referral Guidelines listed in A. above, the following guidelines apply to team members apprehended for shoplifting:
1. AP team members will refer for prosecution and seek restitution for loss from all team members apprehended for committing crimes that involve Target, a Partner Business or Vendor when the case meets local prosecution requirements.
2. Recommendations to refer for prosecution shall be made by the ETL-AP/APGL. The ETL-AP/APGL will also consult with HR regarding the recommendation to refer for prosecution to determine if there are any mitigating circumstances to be considered regarding the referral.
3. The DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL must approve the recommendation to refer a team member for prosecution. The DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL approval must be documented in the HR cover letter as follows:
a. “Approved for referral”,
b. Date DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL approved referral, and
c. DAPTL’s/Distribution GAPTL’s signature.

4. The decision to terminate a team member for shoplifting shall only be made by the appropriate HR team member.

NOTE: AP Director / Vice President approval shall be required for situations where Target has filed a police report and later requests to dismiss the criminal charges filed against the team member. Specific details shall be communicated through the GAPTL.


PHOTOGRAPHING OF APPREHENDED SHOPLIFTERS
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Photographing Shoplifters
1. Adult shoplifters - AP shall photograph all adult shoplifters unless prohibited by local statutes or ordinances.
2. Team Member Shoplifters - AP will not photograph any team member apprehended for shoplifting during working or non-working hours.
3. Juvenile Shoplifters - AP will not photograph any juveniles apprehended for shoplifting, unless required by local statutes or ordinances.
B. Photograph Retention
1. All photographs shall be retained in the case file.
2. Under no circumstances will any photograph of an apprehended shoplifter be displayed in open view, on any office wall or in any other manner, or removed from Target property for personal use.

TRESPASS NOTICE
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
Trespass statutes define what constitutes a trespass. State laws generally provide that remaining on private property without permission is trespassing. An individual is usually trespassing when refusing to leave our store/DC after we have asked them to leave, either orally or by trespass notice.
B. Situations Warranting a Trespass Notice
Trespass notices require the approval from the ETL-AP/APGTL or higher. The use of a trespass notice is appropriate in the following situations:
1. When a subject has been apprehended at any Target location on more than one occasion.
2. When a person apprehended is in possession of a weapon.
a. Follow procedures outline in Safeness Weapons Directive.
b. If a weapon is discovered while the subject is detained, the AP team member shall ensure the safety of all team members and guests first, and if possible, remove and secure the weapon and handcuff the subject. The AP team member shall then contact law enforcement to advise of situation involving a weapon.
CAUTION: If the subject produces a weapon in a threatening manner at any time, the AP team member(s) shall disengage and allow the subject to exit the store/DC. The AP team member shall attempt to get a description of the sub-ject’s vehicle, so long as doing it does not put anyone in danger, and enter descriptions of both the subject and the subject’s vehicle into the CIRS report.
3. When the person apprehended has vandalized property or merchandise.
4. Persons who exhibit lewd or lascivious behavior.
NOTE: If the AP team member(s) feel a trespass notice is warranted, but the incident does not meet the criteria listed above, the team member will partner with their DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL for approval prior to issuing the notice.
C. Issuing a Trespass Notice
1. Location - A trespass Notice shall apply only to the location where the subject was apprehended or the incident took place.
NOTE: A Trespass Notice can be issued for multiple locations with DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL approval. The Trespass Notice must indicate the specific store/DC locations and a specific reason for the multiple locations. The AP team member involved must document the CIRS report to indicate DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL approval and Trespass Notice locations.
2. All Trespass Notices must contain the following elements:
a. The date and time the notice was issued.
b. Name of the person to who the notice is being issued.
c. District or Region of the Target store/DC issuing the Trespass Notice
d. The specific store (or stores with DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL approval) from which the subject is being trespassed.

NOTE: AP team members are NOT authorized to ban subjects from all Target stores/DCs, or ban subjects for life. All multiple location notices must be approved by the DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL prior to issuing.

3. The completed Trespass notice shall be given to the apprehended subject and a copy of the notice retained in the case file.
4. Document the CIRS report to indicate a Trespass Notice was issued.
NOTE: A copy of a blank Trespass Notice can be found on the AP Zone, under the Forms-All tab.
D. Violation of a Trespass Notice
If an individual who has been issued a Trespass Notice violates the notice and returns to the store/DC, ask the individual to leave the property. If the individual refuses to leave, contact law enforcement for assistance and document the incident in CIRS.
E. Team Member Trespass Notices
In situations that warrant the issuance of a Trespass Notice to a team member or former team member, the following shall apply:
1. Immediately contact your DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL to inform them of the situation prior to issuing the Trespass Notice.
2. The DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL will partner with the appropriate Employee Relations / Human Resources contacts at the Regional or Headquarters level

ACCOMPLICES
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Shoplifter Accomplices
1. Target defines a shoplifter accomplice as:
a. A person who assists another in a crime of retail theft, but is not leaving the store with merchandise.
b. Someone for whom only some of the five apprehension steps have been observed.
2. AP team members may detain all active participants in a shoplifting incident only when all five apprehension steps have been observed for each participant.
3. Since a shoplifter accomplice only participated in some of the five apprehension steps they will not be detained, questioned or referred to authorities for prosecution.
NOTE: If local law enforcement takes independent action and makes an apprehension before all five steps are met, the details must be documented in the CIRS report.
B. Box Stuffing Accomplice
Box stuffing is defined as “When a person puts merchandise inside a box or in packaging of another product, he/she pays for what product should be in the box, but not the correct merchandise.”

1. AP team members may apprehend a box stuffing accomplice if:
a. The accomplice is leaving with merchandise
AND
b. The AP team member has no reasonable doubt the accomplice knows the box contains concealed merchandise (example: AP team member witnessed accomplice holding box while second subject stuffed merchandise inside, then accomplice attempted to exit with box.).
c. The case must be documented in CIRS indicating the steps observed to merit the accomplice apprehension.

C. Team Member Accomplice

1. Target defines a team member accomplice as an individual who is not a Target team member and participates in an under ringing or passing merchandise with a Target team member. A team member accomplice may be a guest, Partner Business team member or a Vendor team member.
2. Apprehension - A team member accomplice may be apprehended when probable cause exists to believe the individual is actively participating in the crime, based on the following criteria:

a. An AP team member observes the individual select the merchandise and bring it to a cashier lane.
b. The individual makes the purchase with either a check or cash, thus verifying the individual knew the amount of the purchase.
NOTE: Apprehensions of team member accomplices shall not be made on credit card purchases.
c. The items purchased have been line item voided, zero transactions total or passed outright.
d. The under ringing or merchandise passing must result in a significant difference in the purchase price to support the inference that the subject and accomplice were knowingly participating in a crime. (Example: Purchasing a DVD player for $2.50 can indicate the guest was participating in an under ringing crime.)
e. The incident must be captured on conventional or digital CCTV.

3. Apprehension Procedures

a. Apprehend the individual as they leave the store and process as an external shoplifting case.
b. Contact law enforcement immediately.
NOTE: The subject shall be apprehended only if the AP team member has enough evidence to contact law enforcement immediately and prove that the individual was involved in a crime. Do not wait to contact law enforcement while the team member is being interviewed.
c. In cash cases refund the purchase with cash.
d. In check cases, write “VOID” across the front of the check and retain the original check as evidence.
e. Retain original receipts/refund slips.

4. When the case does not meet the procedures listed in 2 & 3 above:

a. Approach the individual and identify yourself as a Target team member.
b. Politely explain to the individual that the purchase was charged at an incorrect amount.
c. If the purchase was an underring, ask the individual to re-purchase and identical item at the correct price. Obtain the duplicate item(s) for the individual and hold the original item(s) as evidence.
d. If the individual does not wish to re-purchase the item(s), refund the purchase.
e. Retain merchandise as evidence or photograph merchandise as jurisdiction allows.
f. If the individual refuses to cooperate and insists on leaving with the merchandise, allow the individual to do so. Indicate the subject and vehicle description in the CIRS report.
g. After receiving HR approval, an interview may be conducted with the team member. (See Team Member Interviews)


5. Document the case appropriately in CIRS using the steps outlined in the Documentation section.

EVIDENCE
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
Any property related to an Assets Protection case, whether Target property, non-Target property or contraband shall be treated as evidence and protected, preserved and documented as outlined in this section.
B. Evidence Documentation
1. Evidence Log - All stores/DCs must maintain an evidence log and the log shall be updated each time a piece of evidence is placed in or removed from the evidence locker. The evidence log shall contain:
a. Date and time of entry or removal of evidence,
b. The name of the team member entering or removing the evidence,
c. The reason for entry/removal of evidence, and
d. CIRS case number related to the evidence.

2. Evidence Locker - Each store shall maintain a designated evidence locker or similar lockable area for evidence retention.
3. Evidence Tag - An evidence tag must be affixed to all items obtained in the apprehension of a subject. At a minimum all evidence tags must contain:
a. AP team member’s name and initials,
b. The CIRS case number, and
c. Date of apprehension
C. Photographing Evidence
All evidence shall be photographed and the photographs properly labeled as evidence. Merchandise shall only be kept as evidence if local jurisdiction requires, any jurisdictions allow certain forms of evidence to be photographed as a method of preservation. The ETL-AP/APGL shall be responsible for partnering with local law enforcement to understand the local jurisdiction guidelines.


1. When photographing merchandise, follow these steps:
a. Take a full shot of the item, accurately depicting the color, features and any other identifying aspects of the item.
b. Take a close up photo(s) of the item depicting the price tag, labels and/or any damage to the item.
c. Label all photographs with the date, time, name of subject and CIRS case number.
d. Retain all photographs in the case file.

2. After photographing, return the merchandise to the owning department, unless local jurisdiction requires merchandise be held, in which case merchandise shall be stored in evidence locker.

D. Company Property

All recovered merchandise, any item the subject may have removed from the merchandise and discarded (packaging, price tags, vendor tags, defeated merchandise protection tags, boxes, etc.), company documents (including but not limited to POS receipts, vouchers, gift cards. gift receipts, refund documents, etc.), and recovered cash shall be treated as evidence.

1. When logging company property as evidence, the following applies:
a. Original documents are preferred; if law enforcement requires an original document, make a copy for evidentiary purposes.
b. If photocopies are used, document the location of the original document in the CIRS report (example: Original receipt retained by Minneapolis Police Officer John Smith).
c. All company documents shall be initialed and dated by an AP team member (in small writing in the corner of the document).
d. Record each item of recovered property in the “Evidence” section of the CIRS report.
e. Complete an evidence tag for any item retained by law enforcement or Assets Protection and affix to piece of evidence.
f. Log all items on the Evidence Log.

E. Non-Company Property
All Non-Company Property (evidence) recovered from a subject shall be recorded in the same manner as Company Property using the steps listed in D. above.
F. Contraband
Contraband is defined as items or goods that are illegal to possess, such as weapons, narcotics, drug paraphernalia, etc.
1. All contraband discovered by AP team members shall be recorded in the “Evidence” section of the CIRS report, marked with an Evidence Tag and turned over to law enforcement.
2. AP team members are forbidden from retaining/possessing contraband.
G. Preserving Evidence
Following an apprehension, preserve all evidence in the following manner:
1. Affix an Evidence Tag to all merchandise, non-company property and contraband recovered during the apprehension.
2. Prior to turning over any evidence to law enforcement, ensure the evidence is properly tagged and that a law enforcement officer signs for each item using their name, initials and date on the Evidence Log.
3. Store all physical evidence (merchandise, company documents, tags, etc.) in a bag or container and seal the bag/container to protect the item(s) from tampering.
4. Attach the evidence property tag to the sealed container.
5. If AP will be retaining the evidence, place the sealed bag or container in the evidence locker or similar lockable area in the AP office.

AP INCIDENT DOCUMENTATION
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
All incidents must be properly documented by an AP team member in the Common Incident Reporting System (CIRS). All on-going investigations shall be documented in the Common Investigations Management System (CIMS); when the investigation escalates into an incident, the case information shall be moved to the CIRS system.

A case file shall also be completed for each incident and copies of the case file shall be retained in the store/DC for a period of seven (7) years and a copy of all Internal casesshall be given to the ETL-HR.
B. CIRS/CIMS Documentation
1. CIRS and CIMS files are considered part of the investigative process and may be subject to subpoena and disclosure if a case goes to trial. Cases shall be documented in a complete and professional manner.

2. Narrative - The case narrative shall be written in a clear concise format and shall include at minimum the following:
a. Five steps of apprehension - Provide a detailed, chronological order of each of the five steps, and where and when they took place. If a step is missed, and a Productive Merchandise Recovery (PMR) takes place, identify the missing step(s) and reason in the narrative. (Example - PMR conducted because APS lost sight of subject on sales floor and was unable to maintain surveillance.)
b. Detailed description of why subject was observed. (Example: “Subject entered building wearing a large winter coat and the temperature outside was 89oF,” not “Suspicious suspect entered the building”.)
c. Names of team member(s) involved - List the names of all team members and their roles within the apprehension.
d. Law Enforcement - If law enforcement is involved in an apprehension or if the subject is referred to law enforcement detail the role law enforcement played in the stop. Also, note this information in the law enforcement section of the CIRS report.
NOTE: Narrative shall be noted if law enforcement decides to make the apprehension, such as when AP has not observed all five steps of apprehension. In these cases AP team members may assist law enforcement.
e. Weapons - Indicate if a weapon is present at any time during any incident. Also indicate if the weapon was used during the incident (i.e. Razor blade used to cut open DVD package).
f. Handcuffs - If a subject is handcuffed, indicate who handcuffed the subject and why the handcuffs were applied (reference Handcuff Directive).
g. Detailed description of apprehension location - Specifically identify the location where the apprehension took place, (E.g. “Green Main Exit” not “Exit”).
h. Surveillance of the incident - Note whether CCTV, physical surveillance or both were used to observe the incident.
i. Other cases/information - Reference other CIRS/CIMS cases that led to initial observation of the subject or supporting evidence to the apprehension. Also, if AP team member was tipped by another team member or guest, and witness statements gathered after apprehension.

3. Narratives are to be treated as evidence and shall NOT contain the following::
a. Subject description (race, gender, sex, age, etc.) - The CIRS report has a section that asks for subject description and any information shall be documented here. The narrative shall NOT contain this information; it shall contain only the facts leading up to the apprehension/incident.
b. Slang terms, jargon or acronyms - Narratives may be used as evidence during criminal/civil cases. Therefore, all jargon and slang terms shall be avoided and all acronyms spelled out (i.e. Assets Protection Booking Room instead of AP Booking Room).
c. Generalizations- The narrative is a factual description of what took place, and shall not contain any opinions of the team members, generalizations about the subject or assumptions of what they may have done or intended to do.
d. Multiple cases/incidents - An individual CIRS case must be completed for each incident; cases occurring on the same shift are not to be grouped together into a single incident.
C. Case File -
A case file must be created for all apprehensions/incidents within a store/DC. The AP team member involved shall be responsible for ensuring all evidence is collected and filed properly. At a minimum the case file must contain the following:

1. A copy of the CIRS narrative and any other related CIRS/CIMS cases.
2. Photos - Any photos taken of the subject/evidence shall be kept with the case file. Photos must be labeled with the case number and date.
3. Video - Copies of video relating to AP cases/apprehension shall be retained for a period of 7 years.
a. Video shall include observation of the five apprehension steps.
NOTE: If a step is not captured on video, the CIRS report must be updated indicating why the particular step was missed. (Example: Limited camera coverage in automotive section did not allow for constant video surveillance.)
b. Video shall be transferred to a VHS or DVD/CD and properly labeled with the date and case number.
c. All other video shall be retained for a minimum of 30 days.
NOTE: Video must be retained for all AP incidents/apprehensions and kept with the case files for a period of seven (7) years. All other video shall be retained for a minimum of 30 days unless otherwise noted.
NOTE: If video is copied to a VCR tape, ensure the tab has been removed to prevent over-taping.
NOTE: If law enforcement requests a copy of the videotape, make a copy and retain the original. Original recordings shall be provided to law enforcement upon the receipt of a subpoena; in such cases ensure the store/DC retains a copy prior to turning over the original. If law enforcement insists on taking custody of the original without a subpoena, provide the original but ensure a copy is retained. Ensure your DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL is notified any time law enforcement requires a copy of evidence.



4. Witness statements - All team members involved shall be required to give a witness statement of the incident and these statements shall be retained in the case file. Any other statements gathered by AP team members shall be properly labeled (case number and date) and filed in the case file.
5. A copy of the Trespass Notice (if applicable).

NOTE: In the event of a serious incident (assaults with serious injury, death, sexual assaults, armed robbery) or any other incident receiving media attention, the ETL-AP/APGL shall partner with the DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL for further guidance regarding the scope of additional evidence to be retained in the case file.

AUTHORITY TO APPROVE CIRS CASES
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
This section outlines the authority and requirements for CIRS case approval.
B. Approval
1. AP team members are not permitted to approve cases they have initiated and entered into the CIRS reporting system.
2. All cases shall be approved by the next level AP supervisor (or higher).
3. Prior to CIRS case approval, the approver shall review the case for:
a. Complete and accurate narrative, including details of the case outlining the five apprehension steps, a chronological sequence of events from subject entering store/DC to apprehension/exit, proper spelling and limited use of acronyms.
b. Proper documentation of the case, including team members involved, law enforcement involvement, any weapons used/found, whether a subject was handcuffed, location where the incident took place, date and time of incident, etc.
c. Directive compliance.
d. Complete case file including any photos, witness statements, accompanying video, etc.
e. Ensure the case is properly coded.
NOTE: Cases not meeting above minimum standards shall be sent back for re-work. The supervisor shall work with AP team member initiating the case to ensure complete and accurate details and coach team member on deficient case details.
4. Supervisors shall review cases for approval on a daily basis.
5. Cases shall be approved or returned for re-work within 48 hours of submission.
NOTE: Details used in CIRS are considered evidence and may be called upon if a case is brought to trial. It is vital that team members complete the narrative in a timely fashion with the facts of the case. The report is designed to capture the sequence of events and must be a factual list of events. Team members must refrain from adding opinions or assumptions when documenting the case.

TICKET FRAUD
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
Ticket Fraud is defined as "Changing the price on merchandise with the intent of purchasing the merchandise at a reduced price."
B. Ticket Fraud Apprehension
1. An Apprehension shall only be permitted when ALL of the following criteria have been met:
a. Written confirmation has been received that your local jurisdiction will prosecute Ticket Fraud referrals and this confirmation is on file in the store and with the DAPTL.
b. The person or group involved has known theft or Ticket Fraud activity and the known activity is documented in a CIRS narrative.
c. The AP team member has pre-approval to make the Ticket Fraud apprehension from their GAPTL, DAPTL or Investigations Team Leader.
d. All elements of the Ticket Fraud have been observed:
1. Selection of the item.
2. Placement of the new ticket on the item.
3. Purchase of the item at the incorrect price.
e. If selection, removal and placement have been observed, but an apprehension cannot be made due to other criteria not being met:

1. Handle the incident by asking the cashier to request that the price be
checked. The cashier can then inform the guest of the correct price.
2. Partner with your DAPTL or Investigations Team Leader.
3. Gather all evidence and document the incident in CIRS using the “Ticket
Fraud” classification.

FOOD CONSUMPTION / FOOD PASSING INVESTIGATIONS
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
This Directive applies to all areas of food sales (Food Avenue, Starbucks, etc.) as well as any other food items available for sale in Target stores. It also applies to single or multiple incidents of food consumption or passing.
B. Handling
1. Incidents of team member food consumption and food passing shall be treated as a policy violation and referred to Human Resources for further handling. AP will NOT conduct an interview or refer for prosecution these types of incidents, however they may assist HR by providing information and supporting documentation.
2. Investigations that reveal cash theft or theft in bulk (example: a case of pop) shall be handled by AP as a theft (internal or external). AP must observe the five steps prior to apprehension.

TEAM MEMBER DISCOUNT VIOLATION INVESTIGATIONS
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
This Directive outlines the procedures for an investigation of a team member suspected of a violating Target’s Team Member Discount policy.
B. Investigation/Apprehension Steps
1. AP shall notify HR as soon as they become aware of a discount policy violation.
2. AP shall conduct an investigation to establish the scope of the team member’s violation.
3. If the investigation reveals other possible dishonest activity, AP shall open a team member investigation and document the investigation in CIMS.
4. If no additional information of other possible dishonest activity exists, the case shall be immediately forwarded to HR or higher level of management for handling.

TEAM MEMBER INTERVIEWS
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
Team member interviews shall be conducted as a part of an internal investigation. Only AP team members who have successfully completed Target’s Assets Protection Internal Interview Certification are authorized to conduct team member interviews.

NOTE: An AP team member who has successfully completed Internal Interviewing Training and is in the process of becoming certified, may conduct a team member interview in the presence of another trained/certified AP team member.
B. Conducting a Team Member Interview
1. Prior to conducting any team member interview, supervisor approval is required.
2. Prior to conducting a team member interview, the AP team member shall partner with:
a. The appropriate HR Partner or STL.
b. The next level AP team member.
NOTE: If the HR or STL/DC Team Leader disagrees with the decision to interview the team member for dishonesty, the AP team member shall meet with the HR and/or STL/DC Team Leader to discuss their concerns. If a mutual agreement cannot be reached, the AP and H. R. team members shall contact the DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL and Human Resources Representative (HRR). Together the DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL and HRR shall make the final decision as to whether or not the team member will be interviewed.
c. The AP team member shall present a written summary of the investigation findings (HR Cover Letter) to the HR or STL/DC Team Leader.
3. Team member interviews are to be conducted in accordance with all Target internal interviewing procedures.
4. Before conducting an interview of a team member there must be evidence that the team member has participated in a dishonest activity. Team member interviews shall NOT be made solely on the basis of an implication by another team member. There must be corroborating evidence in addition to any implication and the evidence shall be presented in the written summary of the investigations findings (HR Cover Letter). Some examples of “Other” evidence:
a. Digital or standard CCTV video
b. Merchandise/hand tags
c. Product wrapping
d. System reports


TIME AND ATTENDANCE VIOLATION INVESTIGATIONS
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
If an AP team member becomes aware of any time card/attendance policy violations they shall handle as follows:
1. Immediately forward all information regarding the violation the ETL-HR/Distribution HRM/HRR.
2. Do not conduct an independent investigation into the suspected time card/attendance violation.
3. If an AP team member is requested to support a time card/attendance investigation, contact the DAPTL/Distribution GAPTL or next level AP supervisor for approval.
4. If the time card/attendance violation involves an AP team member, inform the ETL-HR/Distribution HRM/HRR and contact your DATPL/Distribution GAPTL for guidance.



EXECUTIVE INVESTIGATIONS / INTERVIEWS
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Investigations
1. AP team members who have knowledge or suspicion of a Target executive violating a company policy shall notify their next level AP supervisor.
2. The supervisor shall make the determination whether to investigate the executive and who shall be responsible for the investigation.
B. Interviews

1. Once the supervisor makes the decision to interview an executive, the interview shall be conducted by one of the following:
a. DAPTL, ITL or Distribution GAPTL
b. GAPTL,
c. Director of Assets Protection, or
d. Vice President of Assets Protection.

2. Prior to engaging in an interview, the interviewer must have prior approval from the GAPTL or Director/Vice President of Assets Protection and the ETL-HR/Distribution HRM/HRR.


UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATIONS
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Definition
An undercover investigation is defined as “Placing a contract individual, law enforcement officer or team member into a non-AP store/DC position on multiple occasions for the purpose of uncovering serious security or policy violations.”
B. Approval
The Director/Vice President of Assets Protection must approve any investigation where Assets Protection proposes using an undercover investigator. This applies to any store/DC-based undercover investigation.

NOTE: Utilizing AP team member from another Target location to assist store AP related surveillance is not considered to be an undercover investigation. (Example: An ETL-AP/APGL covering vacation at an alternate location for another ETL-AP/APGL.)

PHARMACY INVESTIGATIONS
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
This Directive outlines AP policies for handling Pharmacy Investigations.
B. Investigations
1. Any proposed investigation of a Pharmacist or Pharmacy team member shall be immediately communicate to the DAPTL.
2. The DAPTL shall then discuss the investigation with the Pharmacy Supervisor, GAPTL and ETL-HR prior to any action.
C. Fraudulent Prescriptions
1. AP team members shall not make any apprehensions on fraudulent prescription cases.
2. If requested, AP team members shall support fraudulent prescription cases by gathering evidence for law enforcement (such as video footage, subject or vehicle descriptions, etc.).
3. AP team members shall become involved in fraudulent prescription cases if physical danger is imminent to team members or guests.
4. Pharmacists shall notify local law enforcement and professional boards as required.
D. Pharmacy Keys
1. Pharmacies are operated under a separate keying system. The Pharmacy shall not be opened by anyone other than a registered Pharmacist under any circumstances.

GUEST SERVICE ISSUES / GUEST INCIDENT
Revision: 01-2006 Effective: 02-22-2006
A. Purpose
This section addresses the proper handling of Guest Service Issues and Guest Incident filed at the store level.
B. Guest Issues Involving AP Team Members
1. The ETL-AP shall contact the DAPTL and STL upon notification of any guest issues involving another AP team member.
2. The DAPTL and STL shall determine whether the situation is a Guest Service Issue or a Guest Incident.
C. Guest Service Issues
1. A matter shall be treated as a Guest Service Issue if all of the following apply:
a. The guest complaint relates to the manner in which the guest was treated in the store, such as a NPI or receipt check, and does not involve any claim of bodily injury of property damage,
b. The guest is not represented by an attorney and
c. The matter can be resolved with a guest service payment of $200.00 or less in gift certificates, gift cards or a check.

2. If the matter does not meet all three (3) of the criteria listed above, it must be referred to the Guest Reporting Center to be handled as a Guest Incident.
NOTE: If there is any doubt about the matter meeting any of the Guest Service criteria, contact the Guest Service Reporting Center.
D. Handling a Guest Service Issue
1. The DAPTL shall handle a Guest Service Issue as follows:
a. Partner with the Guest Reporting Center and the STL.
b. Once contacted by the guest, investigate by reviewing any CIRS reports, case files, video, witness statements, etc. regarding the particular incident.
c. Contact the guest and attempt to resolve the issue.
d. Document all actions taken and communications with all parties.
e. Determine the best method to resolve the guest service issue: written apology, guest service payment ($200.00 or less) or an understanding that Target is not at fault.
f. If the matter can be resolved as a guest service issue, contact the GAPTL and present the case.
g. When a resolution has been reached, notify the Store Team Leader (STL) and District Team Leader (DTL) of the situation and resolution type and amount (if applicable).
NOTE: Guest Service payments must be charged to the store or district account, as directed by the DAPTL.
h. If the matter is resolved on a guest service basis, no written release from the guest is necessary.
i. Document all details of the case in CIRS including any type of settlement.

2. If after discussion with the guest it does not appear the matter can be resolved as a Guest Service Issue, report the matter as a Guest Incident and contact the Guest Reporting Center.
E. Guest Incidents

1. Any matter that does not meet the three (3) criteria for a Guest Service Issue (listed in C. 1. above) must be reported to the Guest Reporting Center as a Guest Incident.
NOTE: A claim is reported using the same procedures for reporting a Guest Accident.
2. The DAPTL shall discuss all Claims with their GAPTL and the STL.


==================================

Atlanta Business Chronicle

Friday 9-19-06
By Justin Rubner, Staff Writer

Suit: Blogger posted Target trade secrets

Target Corp. is on the hunt for a feisty blogger who has allegedly posted the retail giant’s secrets on the Internet.

The Minneapolis-based company is suing the unidentified “John Doe”, who is believed to live in Georgia, in Federal Court for posting Target’s anti-theft procedures on Web sites and various retail employee forums on the Internet in July.

The information is used to secure Target’s merchandise from shoplifters and other wrongdoers. Target says in a court filing it is provided to employees on a “need-to-know” basis.

To find out who the “John Doe” is, Target is seeking the help of AOL, Yahoo!Inc. and Microsoft Corp. It’s unclear whether these companies will comply, though.

The lawsuit, filed Sept. 5th in Federal Court in Atlanta, follows a two and a half month campaign that included efforts to get the multiple postings deleted from various message boards.

It also follows the publishing of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s recent theft-prevention policy change, leaked to the New York Times in July, which said shoplifters would no longer be charged for stealing less than $25 in goods.

Shoplifting is a $10 billion to $13 billion a year nightmare for U.S. retailers, according to California-based retail security expert Chris McGoey, also known as the “Crime Doctor”. Even though stores such as Target and Wal-Mart rack in tens of billions of dollars of sales annually, shoplifting can account for up to 3 percent of those sales every year, he says.

“That’s profit they should have gained,” said McGoey, who advises almost every national retail chain in the country.

Target operates more than 1,400 stores, including 45 in Georgia.

Target’s lawsuit illustrates the lengths to which companies will go to protect secret information from reaching the masses, said Jason Bernstein, an Atlanta-based intellectual property attorney at Powell Goldstein LLP. He says Target is trying to send a clear message to rogue posters that the publishing of trade secrets is something the company will not stand for.

“It’s demonstrating to me an incredible awareness these companies have of the importance of their trade secrets and confidential info because they rely on them to increase sales and prevent theft,” Bernstein said. “Companies like Target, they’re also trying to send a statement to the industry. They’re probably very upset over this.”

In the lawsuit, Target claims the postings have already led to losses and that they provide “potential wrongdoers with the blueprint for circumventing Target’s security procedures.” The policy which Atlanta Business Chronicle obtained at targetunion.org, outlines in detail various rules, such as mandating that all thefts above $20 must be referred for prosecution and barring anyone from photographing employees who have been caught shoplifting.

If Target does ID the blogger, and he or she still refuses to cease the postings, the company faces some sticky issues, a First Amendment and intellectual property expert says.

For one, it is not known whether the poster ever signed a confidentiality decree. If the John Doe didn’t, then Target would have to prove the poster knew the policy was confidential, said David Bodney, a First Amendment and media rights lawyer with Phoenix-based Steptoe & Johnson LLP. Bodney, also a lecturer at Arizona State University, adds that Target would have to prove the postings had no legitimate purpose other than to malign. “It’s an uphill battle, he said.

However, he also points out that free speech is not absolute, especially if a judge decides – as Target claims – that the policy is a court-protected company secret.

“It’s a disappointing reality that our constitutional liberties are conditional,” Bodney said.

According the suit, the poster obtained the 30-plus-page policy from a terminated Target theft prevention employee in Wisconsin. That employee allegedly e-mailed the policy to the John Doe and only knew the poster through his association with the anti-Target Web sites.

In July, just days after the employee posted the policy on targetunion.org, the suit says Target contacted the employee and demanded he delete it from the site and his computer. He allegedly obliged, but the John Doe never did – despite the fact that Target contacted the poster’s various e-mail accounts and posted messages on popular anti-Target Web sites demanding the practice to stop.

In response to one of Target’s postings, the blogger – who used screen names such as “Target Sucks” – allegedly wrote online “I didn’t sign any confidentiality agreement with them and really don’t give a rat’s ass if they like it or not.” The poster also warned others on targetunion.org that Target law firm Faegre & Benson was monitoring the site, and published attorney Kerry Bundy’s e-mail address and phone number. In response, another poster wished “a million scrounger” on the law firm. A scrunge is a parasitic alien on Nintendo video games.

An e-expert was hard pressed to predict which side has the upper hand. Eugene Volokh, a University of California law professor who specializes in free speech issues, compares the case to four others: three involving Apple Computer Inc., and one involving Fort Motor Co. Apple has had mixed luck with its ongoing war against leakers in recent years. And Ford in 1999, lost a lawsuit regarding a blogger who posted corporate documents showing some negative information about the company’s vehicles. The site, blueovalnews.com, still exists today.

Sidebar:
Protecting secrets or targeting free speech?

Target Corp. is suing a blogger for posting a secret theft-prevention policy online.

* The unknown poster is believed to live in Georgia
* Target is asking AOL, Yahoo! And Microsoft for help in locating the poster
* The policy has been posted on several sites, including retail-worker.com and targetunion.org
Source: Complaint No 1:06-CV-

=====================================================

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF GEORGIA

ATLANTA DIVISION

TARGET CORPORATION, a Minnesota
Corporation,

Plaintiff,
CIVIL ACTION NO.

vs.

1:06-CV-2116-CC
JOHN DOE,

Defendant.

ORDER
This matter has been pending before the Court for 140 days. Although the Court granted Plaintiff’s motion for expedited discovery, Plaintiff has not identified a defendant in this case and has not filed proof of service. The Court therefore DIRECTS Plaintiff to show cause within ten (10) days of the date of this Order why this action should not be dismissed without prejudice for failure to effect service.

SO ORDERED this 23rd day of January, 2007.
s/ CLARENCE COOPER

CLARENCE COOPER
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

Case 1:06-cv-02116-CC Document 9 Filed 01/23/2007 Page 1 of 1



========================

Kerry L. Bundy
Age 35 (Born Mar. 1971)

Home Address:
5428 Knox Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55419-1502
(612) 929-2917
Property Est Value: $285,000
Built: 1947, basement and detached
garage, purchased 11/16/01 from:
Vivian Sennott for $195,000, .14 acres

http://www13.co.hennepin.mn.us/publicparcelimage/hcpropertymap.aspx?PID=2102824210077


Prior addresses:

24 BIRNAMWOOD DR
BURNSVILLE, MN 55337 (952) 890-2273

1205 LINCOLN AVE
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55403 County (612) 377-1981

CMCB LLC (Apt Complex)
3150 EXCELSIOR BLVD
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55416 County (952) 922-3062

13417 BRUNSWICK AVE S
SAVAGE, MN 55378
(property now owned by Bruce & Sarah
Fenlason, Market Value $198,200)

--------------------------------------------------------------

Work Address:
Kerry L. Bundy, Partner
Firm: Faegre & Benson LLP
2200 Wells Fargo Center
90 South Seventh Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402-3901
Phone: (612) 766-8217
Fax: (612) 766-1600

Relatives:
Bradley P. Bundy
Kimberly M. Bundy
Patricia M. Bundy


------------------------------------------------------------


Practice Areas:

Litigation
Distribution and Franchise Litigation
Trade Secrets
International Arbitration
Complex Commercial Litigation

Experience:

Kerry Bundy is a partner in the business litigation department at Faegre & Benson in the Minneapolis office. She concentrates her practice on trade secret litigation and counseling, franchise and distribution litigation, international arbitration, and complex commercial litigation. She has represented manufacturers, franchisors, distributors, technology companies, and a variety of other domestic and foreign businesses in state and federal proceedings, as well as national and international arbitrations.

Kerry is a member of the Governing Committee of the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising. She has presented seminars at national conferences on franchise matters, including "The Essentials on Franchising," and "System-Wide Change in the Franchise System." She was selected as one of ten up-and-coming Twin Cities lawyers by Minnesota Lawyer magazine. Also, she currently serves on the Board of Directors for Courage Alpine Skiers, a non-profit adaptive down-hill skiing program for persons with disabilities.

Education:

BA, Colorado State University (1993), magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa
JD, Northwestern University (1996), Dean’s List, Journal of International Law and Business (Editor-in-Chief)

Presentations:

Effective Opening Statements and Closing Remarks
American Bar Association Forum on Franchising CLE
Procedural Considerations for Filing a Franchise Complaint: Jurisidiction, Venue and Choice of Law
American Bar Association Forum on Franchising CLE
System-Wide Change: Rising to the Challenge
American Bar Association Forum on Franchising CLE
The Secrets to Winning Trade Secret Cases
Minnesota State Bar Association CLE
The Essentials of Franchising: Intellectual Property
American Bar Association Forum on Franchising CLE

Professional and Trade Associations:

American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, Steering Committee Member for the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Division (2003-2006)
American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, Young Lawyers Division Representative on the Governing Committee (2001-2003)
Hennepin County Bar Association, Civil Litigation Section co-chair

Civic Associations:
Board of Directors, Courage Alpine Skiers

Admitted to Practice (State)
Minnesota
Admitted to Practice (Federal)

U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

============================================

1:06-cv-02116-CC

Target Corporation v. Doe

Clarence Cooper, presiding

Date filed: 09/05/2006
Date of last filing: 02/01/2007

History Doc. No. Dates Description

1 Filed: 09/05/2006 Entered: 09/06/2006 Complaint Docket Text: COMPLAINT filed. Consent form to proceed before U.S. Magistrate and pretrial instructions provided. ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number 555387.), filed by Target Corporation. (Attachments: # (1) Civil Cover Sheet)(hfm) Please visit our website at http://www.gand.uscourts.gov to obtain Pretrial Instructions.

2 Filed & Entered: 09/06/2006 Terminated: 09/11/2006 Motion to Expedite Docket Text: MOTION to Expedite Discovery and for Expedited Hearing on Motion with Brief In Support by Target Corporation. (Attachments: # (1) Brief Memorandum in Support of Motion for Expedited Hearing and Discovery# (2) Affidavit Affidavit in Support of Memorandum# (3) Exhibit Proposed Subpoena to AOL# (4) Exhibit Proposed Subpoena to Hotmail# (5) Exhibit Proposed Subpoena to Yahoo)(Adair, Jennifer) -- Filed & Entered: 09/07/2006 Submission to District Judge Docket Text: Submission of [2] MOTION to Expedite Discovery and for Expedited Hearing on Motion, submitted to District Judge Clarence Cooper. (vs)

3 Filed & Entered: 09/11/2006 Order on Motion to Expedite Docket Text: ORDER granting in part and denying as moot in part [2] Motion for expedited hearing. Signed by Judge Clarence Cooper on 9/11/06. (vs)

4 Filed: 09/11/2006 Entered: 09/13/2006 Terminated: 10/20/2006 Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice Docket Text: APPLICATION for Admission of Kerry L. Bundy Pro Hac Viceby Target Corporation.Filing Fee received $150.00, Receipt #555753. (dr)

5 Filed & Entered: 09/19/2006 Notice (Other) Docket Text: NOTICE by Target Corporation Notice of Service of Subpoena upon Yahoo! Inc. (Attachments: # (1) Exhibit A - Subpoena and Proof of Service)(Adair, Jennifer) 6 Filed & Entered: 09/20/2006 Notice (Other) Docket Text: NOTICE by Target Corporation Notice of Service of Subpoena upon Microsoft Corp. (Attachments: # (1) Exhibit A - Subpoena and Proof of Service)(Adair, Jennifer)

7 Filed & Entered: 09/21/2006 Notice (Other) Docket Text: NOTICE by Target Corporation Notice of Service of Subpoena upon AOL (Attachments: # (1) Exhibit A - Subpoena and Proof of Service)(Adair, Jennifer)

8 Filed & Entered: 10/20/2006 Order on Application for Admission PHV Docket Text: ORDER granting [4] Application of Kerry L. Bundy for Admission Pro Hac Vice . Signed by Judge Clarence Cooper on 10/20/06. (vs)

9 Filed & Entered: 01/23/2007 Order to Show Cause Docket Text: ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE: Pla is Directed to show cause within 10 days of the date of this Order why this action should not be dismissed w/o prejudice for failure to effect service. Signed by Judge Clarence Cooper on 1/23/07. (vs)

10 Filed & Entered: 02/01/2007 Response to Order to Show Cause Docket Text: RESPONSE TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE re: [9] Order to Show Cause. (Attachments: # (1) Affidavit Declaration of Kerry L. Bundy)(Adair, Jennifer)

--------------------------------------------------------------




Target LP, Comments by a former APTL (FYI)


It must be a year or so ago that I found this item on the net and copied it. This does not originate with me, I did post it on the old 'TS' site but it is here for you to read and comment on:
=========================================

This is first hand knowledge from someone that not only used to work for Target, but was an Assets Protection Team Leader (LP manager) for several stores.

Why would I write this article? For starters, I'm tired of reading articles by amateurs, the kind of amateurs that we used to catch all of the time. I have my own personal anarchistic/nihilistic reasons for wanting the company's shrink to go through the roof. First off, a lesson in the Assets Protection structure at Target. Remember, you are responsible for how you use this information. This article is for informational purposes only, if you get caught, that's on you.

The people that stand at the doors are called Target Protection Specialists (TPS). The people in plain clothes that walk the floor and look at cameras are called Assets Protection Specialists (APS). The manager of the AP team at store level is the Assets Protection Team Leader (APTL). There are of course district APTL's and so on up. There are market investigators that investigate organized theft rings (MIT's), and check fraud etc.

Now, some of their policies that you need to know about.

The TPS' cannot make apprehensions unless they are directed to do so by an APS or APTL. There are five steps that must be followed in order for an APS/APTL to apprehend a shoplifter:

1- Initiate observation. Must see the individual in an area without the company's merchandise.
2- Selection. Must observe the subject select Target merchandise.
3- Concealment. Must observe the subject conceal Target merchandise. Reasonable doubt can be used. For instance, if you see someone with a cd in their hands, and they turn around, with their back facing you, and when they turn back the merchandise is no longer in their hands.
4- Maintain observation. Must maintain reasonable observation of the individual.
5- Exit/Apprehension. The individual must pass all points of sale, making no attempt to pay for the stolen merchandise.

Now I need to clarify a few things. Just like there are laws that are broken everyday, so Target AP team members break the rules. Just like our citizens, some AP members bend the rules, some outright break them, and some altruists follow them to a T (they aren't around long though because they don't catch anyone). Most are somewhere in the middle.

The first two rules are not important. The 3rd and 4th are critical, particularly the 4th.

Let me give you some examples of ways to make your shoplifting experience at Target both enjoyable and profitable:

1: The lone shoplifter. You're alone and want to get some things. Fine. Just don't come in looking like a meth addict that needs a quick fix. Now, Target AP team members are not to discriminate based on age, race, social status (poor) etc....right. Believe that if you want. If you walk into a Target store with trashy, baggy jeans, an antisocial t-shirt, and more hair color than cyndi lauper you will be watched (if someone is working, or paying attention). I'm not saying wear a suit and tie, just ask yourself, "if I was in AP, would I watch me"? Ok, there's a ton of things you can get, let's just say you want a few DVD's. You make a selection (I would suggest no more than three at one time), now make your way to the back of the store. Go somewhere in the back that is not next to anything they would want a camera on (GPS units for instance, probably have a camera on them).

Go somewhere in toys, furniture, etc. Make your move quickly and decisively, no need to look around, just be alone on the aisle you conceal on. Even if they see you, you're still in the clear because now I'm about to reveal the holy grail of shoplifter insider trading...AP cannot make apprehensions if you go to the fitting room or the restroom. PERIOD! I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but it is VERY rare, and they usually get written up for doing it. So now, you go to the fitting room with a pair of jeans. Go inside for a minute or two. This gives you a chance to make sure that they cannot see a square imprint on your pants. If they see the imprint they might take you! Now, the second holy grail...go to the bathroom. Most likely if you were being watched they would try to "PMR" you. PMR stands for 'Productive Merchandise Recovery', in plain terms they will try to intimidate you into 'dumping' the merchandise. If you see the TPS come in, or a guy in plain clothes with a radio staring at you, they are trying to PMR you. If they were going to apprehend you they would conceal themselves as much as possible (you most likely won't see them). If they are PMR'ing you then you've won the game. Simply smile and leave. Don't worry about the alarm, just keep going. If they stop you make up something like, "you're watching me because I'm FILL IN THE BLANK". Tell them you don't have time for this and keep going. Now, don't do this ALL the time because the team can get permission to make a bathroom/restroom stop from their DAPTL if they show a pattern on an individual, but only in extreme cases.
I recommend shoplifting in groups. The following is almost full-proof (nothing is 100%).

2- Box Stuffing
Why more people don't do this I will never know. I see idiots walk in and fill up a cart of merchandise and walk out. It's bold and will work often, but if they are watching you're toast. Box stuffing needs at least 2 people, but three works best. The toughest part about this is getting up in the morning! You should start this routine between 8:15 and 11:00 am, the earlier the better. Take a marker, clear packing tape and a box-cutter with you. Get a cart and select whatever you want to lift. Think about what you want and then go to the box size you need. For instance, if you are taking as much electronics merchandise as you can, then you'll need to go to a vacuum aisle. If you just want 10 dvd's, then go to the lamp aisle in furniture. Let's assume you're going for a big load. Go to vacuums. If you have a lookout, great, they will help you stop when a team member or guest (customer) comes near the aisle.

Now think SPEED! You will want to open the vacuum (the cheaper the better) on the bottom. You will then begin stuffing as much of the merchandise in the box as possible. If there is tape on the box that has a bullseye,and TARGET on it, that is ok. Once you get all of the merchandise in then seal the box up with the clear tape OVER the Target tape. The cashier won't be able to tell! Now take your marker and mark the box with a small dot (don't use black)near the bottom or on the bottom. Have your accomplice (NOT YOU) come in at least one hour later (no more than 2-3, or else someone else might get your treasure). Tell them to get a cart, go to the vacuum aisle, and look around for a couple of minutes. Make it look like they are shopping, but don't go overboard, a couple of minutes is fine. Find your box by the mark (and the description of the vacuum from the accomplice) and put the vacuum in the cart. When you go to the checkout just go up, smile, and help the cashier by moving the box closer to them so they can scan the vacuum WITHOUT holding the box. Now, if the phone rings, and they ask to check the box you've been caught! But that's ok, they can't apprehend you. If this happens just act like you're in a hurry and leave. You have not committed a crime. As far as the law is concerned, all you did was get a vacuum that had merchandise in it. Make sure the person buying the stuffed box is driving a different vehicle than the person that stuffed it. Later, you can bring the vacuum back with the receipt and return it. Now, if you go to the same store all of the time, eventually a market investigator might get involved. Just don't get greedy and you'll be fine.

3- The bathroom heist (works better for women).
Ok, this only works for small items (cd's, dvd's, etc). You need two people for this. Have a friend (same sex) waiting for you in the car. Arrange for them to go into the store 2 minutes after you. You go in and select whatever you want (make sure the other person can conceal it all, this is why women are better for this because they have purses). The second person will have already entered the store and gone into the restroom. Have them wait in a stall. You go in with the merchandise out in the open. Go into the other stall. Peek down at your friend's shoes to make sure they are next to you. Do not talk! Hand the merchandise over, have them conceal and walk out. You wait two minutes, and then leave. They might try to PMR you, but you don't have anything, so just walk right out. If they apprehend you then you've really hit pay dirt! Don't admit ANYTHING...you did nothing wrong. Tell them you changed your mind and put them down, you don't know where they are at. They will let you go, and you are in the clear. Then call back and complain, you might get a giftcard out of it! There is virtually no chance of getting caught at this game!

As many of you know, there are other ways to go about stealing from Target, but these are almost guaranteed to get you off free! Don't do stupid shit like walk out the fire exit with a cart load of merchandise. Yes, people do it, but they will immediately pull pictures of you entering the store and then distribute those pictures to other store's AP teams. Why bring that kind of attention to yourself? If you know someone that works for Target then you are really in the clear, because it makes box stuffing 10 times easier! Having a cashier pass merchandise works, but is risky. All it takes is for one of the AP members to be watching and your both going to jail. If you guys like this article, let me know, and I will reveal some other secrets! Never admit if you are caught, don't say a word!


--------------------------------
If you haven't read the first article in this series, please do so before reading this one, as I will not be covering the same material in this article. I'll jump right in:

Risk Levels:
Each Target store has a risk level between 1 and 4. A 4 is the highest risk, with a 1 being the lowest risk. Risk levels determine how much equipment and payroll AP gets. Want to find out the risk level of your local Target? Simply call the store, and ask to speak with the APTL, if the APTL is not present, ask to speak with the APS. If neither is present then hurry over and grab something! Once you get the APTL/APS on the phone, explain to them that you are the APTL at fill-in-the-blank(just name a store in another state, not one close by...you can get a list of stores on Target.com) and you are working on a project to make sure that all of the stores in the group have performed a site survey in the last year. After the APTL answers, then just ask him what his risk level is.

Equipment:
If you are at a SuperTarget, then most likely the store is equipped with a digital recording system over every lane. This means that EVERY transaction is captured on digital recording, and usually has a retention time of 45 days. Searches can be done to look up any transaction. Most risk level 4's have a digital recording system. Many 3's do, with 2's rarely having one, and 1's almost never. ALL SuperTargets have them. Most of the domes are fake, but each store is different.

Payroll:
Risk level 4 stores usually have at least 80 hours (per week) of APS, but can have more depending on the area. 3's have 40-80, 2's have 20-40, and 1's 20-40. Odds are a 1 will only have 20. These are just averages, as each market is different


Parking:
Before doing anything at Target, make sure you park in the back of the parking lot. All of Target's parking lots are equipped with PTZ's (Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras) that can read license plates in the parking lots. They can't reach to the back of the lot though. I know the instinct is to get in and out as quick as possible, but if you get away, or they let you go because they missed a step, they can get your plates and begin building a case on you.

Passing:
This goes for those of you who are current Target team members, or those of you who have friends that are target cashiers at Target. Passing is a great way to get a lot of merchandise, but it must be done carefully. Passing is when a cashier does not scan an item that a guest brings up. The guest leaves without paying for the item. Cashiers: when passing DO NOT void or price change an item. This leaves a paper trail that reports can flag. If the store is equipped with a digital system you have a good chance of getting caught eventually, if not the first time if it is a high dollar void. Do not pass thousands or even several hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise at one time. Find out what the felony limit is in your area, and keep it under that. Do not pass to the same person more than twice a week. If you pass every week to the same person you will eventually get caught. Have the person you are passing to use a credit card to pay.

If someone is watching, and they catch you, it is against Target policy to apprehend the guest for passing if they paid with a credit card. Think about it, when you pay with a check or cash, you know exactly how much you are paying. If you pay with a credit card, you can argue that you were just signing the slip, and didn't realize how cheap it was. Cashiers, if you are caught for this, explain that you made a mistake. At the end I will explain in detail what to do if you are caught. The best time to pass merchandise is Monday morning, when the APTL is in the executive meeting. This is not full proof, but if you are going to do it, this is the best way.

Also, for the person making the purchase, don't make it obvious that you are waiting for a specific person. This is one of the things the AP team looks for: someone has a cart load of merchandise, and there are 4 lines open. One line has two people waiting, the other 3 don't have anyone waiting, don't be an idiot and stand in your friends line for ten minutes while the other lanes are open. Walk around some until your friends line is open.


Another variation on passing is to have the friend put some high dollar items in a duffel bag. The cashier knows not to check the bag. If you are caught, they will just call the lane and tell the cashier to look inside. Don't make a big deal about it, just leave. They shouldn't apprehend on this, but if they do, explain that you meant to pay for the items, but forgot. Their case is weak and the district attorney probably won't take it (you'll get off).

Push-Out:
I don't recommend this method simply because eventually you will be caught. SuperTargets are much easier to pushout of than regular Targets, in fact, I seriously do not recommend doing a pushout at a regular Target unless the TPS is no-where to be found. But if you are in a bind and need lots of merchandise then I have some pointers to make your chances better. The idea is to get in and out as quickly as possible, without looking like you are trying to get in and out as quickly as possible. The best time to pushout is during busy times, or early in the morning. Dress nice, this is critical when doing a pushout. Don't look like someone who can't afford new shoes, but has a thousand dollars worth of merchandise in their cart. Don't do this late at night, AP is usually there on nights, and if it is slow they will see you. It's simply a game of chance from this point. Either AP is watching soemone else, or they are not there. As you are selecting merchandise, stay out of DVD's and music. The TPS' are there, plus the AP office always has the cameras on electronics. Do what you need to do by getting phones, cd players, GPS units etc, just stay away from the electronics showcase. Once you have what you want, go up front. Now if you are doing this at a Target, you will need to make sure the TPS is either not there or have a friend distract them. Hint: if there was a TPS there when you came in, but he is magically not there now, he is either on break, or the APS/APTL has told him to get the hell out of there because they can tell you are doing a pushout. You may think this is paranoia, but we used to do it all the time, and it is a classic trick of the trade.

If the AP staff is good, pushouts are easy to spot from the beginning. I'm not saying it's impossible, in fact, the odds are you'll get away with it, but it's a crap- shoot. Now if the coast is clear (no TPS'), then start to make your move, just when you get to the carpet, turn around quickly and look to see if anyone in plain clothes is looking right at you. If they have been watching you, they will have to come out to make their move on you. If you spot them (someone walking briskly toward's you, with no merchandise or only one article of merchandise), then simply leave your shit. It might be a regular guest, but odds are they had you. Use your instinct on this one. You haven't committed a crime until you have proven that you made no attempt to pay for the merchandise. If someone in red and khaki asks for your receipt, tell them you already paid for it, and keep walking. Only stop if a TPS or plain clothes person asks for your receipt. Don't debate with them, just keep going. Keep reading to see what to do if they approach you in the parking lot.

Quick Tips:
Do not write stolen checks at Target if the person you stole them from can identify you. Unfortunately there are people stupid enough to do this, don't be one of them. Remember the digital system.

Don't have a modus operandi. If you got away with something on a Monday at 9:00 am, don't come in every Monday and do the same thing at 9:00 am. I recommend coming in every two weeks to ensure they don't start noticing you.

If you keep taking the same thing over and over, it will come up on a report (the counts are updated when the product is no longer available). If it is a high theft item, the APTL may put up a covert camera to see who is cleaning out that item. Be unpredictable.

If you are caught:
I plan on writing an entire article about this in the future, but basically do not admit anything. When I was an APTL, and I interviewed internals (team members) it amazed me that just about everyone I interviewed admitted and signed a statement explaining what they did and why.

The only people that get something out of an admission statement is Target. It makes their case stronger, not yours. Don't sign anything, don't admit anything. If you can't afford to get caught (externals only aka shoplifters), when they approach you to apprehend you (usually outside), you can run. It is against Target policy to chase shoplifters. Once you make it to the parking lot, they are supposed to let you go. Don't get in your car and drive off because they will get plates and possibly file with PD. Keep going until you can call a friend to pick you up. Have your friend pick up your car. If they do chase you, they have seriously violated policy and are usually terminated or put on final warning. If they chase you, they will want to not tell anyone. Make sure that the officer who responds knows that you were chased. This is where you drama majors can use your talents. Explain that the security personnel startled you and you began running. Tell them exactly where they caught you. Later, call the store manager and get the district office. Explain that you were apprehended for shoplifting (do not admit, just explain you were apprehended) and that you almost got hit by a car because someone chased you in the parking lot. You will have been caught, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing that the person who apprehended you lost their job.

If you want to be safe, have a friend wait outside of the exit you plan to leave (for SuperTargets with multiple exits) in their car with a cell phone. Sometimes AP will have someone wait outside before they make an apprehension. Have your friend look for someone who walks outside in plain clothes, and waits by the exit. They will usually have their radio out so the person on the floor or on cameras can tell them the subject is about to exit. Have your pal call you if they see this, and dump the merchandise.

Women have a better chance at getting away with shoplifting at Target because the female to male ratio is high at Target. If you have a female girlfriend or friend that is willing to lift at Target, they have a better chance of getting away. Read articles on magic bags for women to convert their purses so that the tags don't go off.

Disclaimer:
these are just tips that I have because of my experience. If you decide to shoplift at Target, that is your decision, I do not encourage people to shoplift at Target because their security is better than most retailers. I have provided these articles for informational purposes only. This article is for information and for people who are going to shoplift at Target regardless of what they read. I am in no way encouraging this behavior. If you get caught, that is part of the risk, nothing is fool proof.

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(The below may be an updated version of the above post or a seperate effort, anyway it has addl. info so I am posting it F.Y.I. 5/23/06)
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Boring but Necessary Disclaimer: The following document is purely for informational and entertainment purposes, and the sole responsibility for any illegal actions lies with the reader. The author is in no way responsible for the mistakes the amateurs will make while potentially attempting to perform things described herein. Read at your own risk.
Oh - and if you do get caught, tell 'em Xap (pronounced "zap") sent ya. They won't know me, but they'll probably think the name is clever.

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So, you've decided to join the Five-Finger discount club offered by so many fine retailers today. The most popular store chain around where I live seems to be Target and SuperTarget. I mean, great prices and none of the evil and filth you find at Wal-Mart, right? And look at all the incredibly expensive goods your sticky little fingers just can't wait to shove in your pockets. . .but wait. . .what's going to happen if someone who works for the store catches you stealing? How can you get away with it?

To allay the fears of many readers that this is going to be just another stupid file written by an acnefied teen h4ck3r. . .(sorry, "cracker", I don't believe the media stereotypes either) everything written here is absolutely true Target procedure, written by someone who spent a long time working in the heart of their security department. It is all up to date as of today, but who knows what the future holds, right? The best I can tell you is, if you don't believe me, go apply for a job there yourself and find out. They hire 18 and above for the security dept. And good news - Target policy actually has more rules *preventing* their security from being able to stop you than the other way around. The odds are highly stacked in favor of thieves who are well-informed, as you are about to be. Gods bless wrongful-arrest lawsuits and the fear they have inspired in Corporate America. Reap, my friends! Reap!

So why give them up when I used to be their loyal watchdog? Eh. They never knew the reason I was so good at catching thieves was because I used to be one myself. Talk about reverting to type now, huh? I actually started writing this as a book to try to publish with an alternative company, but didn't want to deprive the young and bold but short of pocket money from this valued information. In the spirit of sharing knowledge for the sake of everyone's betterment, I'm offering this up for free, and just hope no one will alter it in any way or try to claim it as their own. So, fly free, my beautiful tutorial! Enlighten the masses!

Anyways, enough intro, on to the meat. I'll take you through all of Target's procedures, physical security, everything, and the ways you can go about circumventing and defeating all of them to the best of your ability.

By the way - I'll use the terms Target and SuperTarget interchangeably. The only difference between the two is that SuperTargets are newer, tend to have better equipment, and have a grocery section.

Onward!

The People

The first line of defense in any Target is its Asset Protection Department, or "AP" for short. You may have heard someone in the store calling "AP" over the radios all employees carry. This is the security department, usually called loss prevention at other stores. Every AP dept. has a few levels of employees. The bottom rung is the Target Protection Specialist, or TPS. These are the men and women in tan shirts and black pants, carrying handcuffs and radios on their belts. They patrol the stores, and by policy are supposed to spend most of their time at the front register lanes unless something else requires their attention. The main portion of their job is watching people checking out to see if any items have been left in the cart "by accident", and politely reminding them to pay for it. TPS's get quota'd on these items, so it's important they catch as many as possible. They watch the doors for suspicious looking people coming in, and assist with any emergencies, apprehensions, or anything else that may come up. But, due to their lack of rank, *TPS's cannot arrest anyone on their own*! I repeat, a TPS cannot stop you from leaving the store with stolen goods. They can scare the crap out of you, and check your receipts, and if they're feeling bold they can even request the stolen merchandise back. (That's against Target policy, though. No one is *ever* supposed to be accused of stealing. It hurts customers' feelings.)

Next up the ladder are the Asset Protection Specialists, or APS's. These are the undercovers of the store, and believe me when I say that these folks are on the ball. Anyone not dedicated to their job won't last very long in this line of work. They patrol the store in plain clothes, carrying a hidden walkie-talkie (usually in a purse for the ladies, or in a pocket or clipped to the back of the pants for guys, with the shirt covering it). They might sit in the office and watch cameras instead, but they're encouraged to stay on the floor. A good way to Spot-the-APS is to look for someone dashing around to endcaps, ducking down and then moving quickly away to act nonchalant. Or just look to see if the rectangle-shape of the radio is poking through the back of their shirt where it's hidden. (P.S. - An endcap is just the Target term for the end of an aisle. All of Target's endcaps are perforated, partly for hanging hooks, but mostly so AP can hide and look through the holes to watch you steal. It's very hard to see someone hiding behind the endcaps, so be careful and listen closely for shifting and breathing.) APS's can arrest people all on their own, with or without backup, although if they're worried you might fight they will have a TPS, another APS, or enthusiastic regular employees ready to jump on you, too. Remember, an APS doesn't have to win the fight with you. They just have to slow you down long enough for everyone else to catch up. However, if you physically resist they are legally allowed to drop you, using minimal violence of course, and cuff you.

The manager of the AP dept is called an Asset Protection Team Leader, or APTL. They usually spend more time researching employee theft than patrolling the floor, looking over cash register reports and so on. Many APTL's will not spend a lot of time in their personal store, traveling around to assist at other stores and leaving the APS's in charge. They essentially have the same powers as an APS, they're just way more experienced at it. Above them are the District and Regional APTL's, so on up the chain. These bigwigs usually never go to a store unless there's some major booster making the rounds and they're trying to set a trap for them. They're kind of like Target's personal shoplifter SWAT team, but without the guns or cool outfits.

Something to keep in mind: every other employee in the store really wants to be in AP. AP is the coolest job in the store to have, and its members are constantly getting asked by regular employees if they can apply. What this means for you is that every other employee in the store is eager to prove that they can catch thieves too, so don't relax just because they're wearing red and khaki. Regular employees will go out of their way to alert AP to your presence and follow you around. However, if the red-shirts try to stop you leaving the store, breeze on by. They have no legal powers, and cannot arrest you.

The Electronics

Okay, on to the electronic security. You've no doubt noticed the hundreds of black plastic camera domes mounted in the ceiling of your local Target. Well, just as you suspected, quite a few of these are fake. But several dozen of them are not. Every Target store has a "camera placement plan" they follow, which may vary slightly from store to store, but generally follows similar guidelines. Most real cameras will be placed over high-theft item areas, such as Electronic Goods, the Pharmacy, Automotive, and so on. There is literally a camera mounted over every single register in the store, pointing down to watch transactions. There are *no* cameras in the Grocery section of SuperTargets (but there are fake domes). The closer you are to the outer wall of the Grocery, the farther you are from any real cameras. Along the back wall of most stores is the Domestics and Furniture sections. . .these usually have no real cameras, either, although fake domes are spaced every other aisle. And, of course, it is illegal for Target to place cameras in the bathroom, or near enough to the open-ceiling dressing rooms to see in.

Like I said, it may vary between stores, but here are typically where all the movable, zoomable, real cameras are:

Over the Electronics checkout
One at each end of the front lane registers
Near the Automotive section (back corner of the store)
If the store has two sets of doors (SuperTargets), there will be one above each of the front corners of the building, for scanning the parking lots
One at the back of the building, near the rear loading docks
Usually in the middle of the Clothing sections, but far enough away from the dressing rooms
Possibly right over the Pharmacy section, or nearby
Right near the Guest Service desk, usually able to see the Portrait Studio too in SuperTargets
Above the wall-rack that divides the Men's and Women's Clothing sections

Also, the fixed, non-movable (and often black and white) cameras are usually mounted:

Near razors and razor blades
Near any medicines commonly stolen by junkies
Pointing at an angle at the incoming and outgoing doors, to catch face shots of thieves as they enter or exit. After my term of employment, they seem to have installed a small dome right at the exit doors themselves, at about head height. I do not know if this is real or not, but probably is, as face shots were a major concern, and the higher cameras would usually only give fuzzy pictures at best.
Over various aisles near the Electronics section, with computers, games, stereos, etc.
Over auto radar detectors
Over GPS units in the camping section
*Definitely* over every single register, even in the Deli, Bakery, Starbucks and Pharmacy
Over the jewelry counter

A lot of the real ones have been in use for a long time, and have larger plastic domes. The newer fake ones are smaller, but the older, bigger ones don't get taken out and replaced to match because who wants the hassle, right? Don't go strictly by this, because you never know. But it's a good guideline.

All the cameras are routed back to the AP Office, which is always somewhere near the front of the store. At Targets, it's generally right next to the Guest Service desk, behind an "Employees Only" door with a peephole in it. At SuperTargets, it will be through some swinging doors at the front, and then probably right there in a hallway, same kind of door with the peephole. The doors are almost always locked, even when people are inside. Inside, there will be a room set up with several monitors, usually about 6 to 10, which are all connected through multiplexers to VCRs. On one wall will be shelves and shelves full of tapes, usually labeled something like, "1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2A, 2B. . ." and so on. The number is usually the date of whichever month you're in. The tapes get reused every month, so on the first the "1" set is used again, and so on. This means unless they saved footage of you, if you didn't attract any camera attention before, next month that tape will have been recorded over. The A, B, C, D means the shift the tape was used for, morning, afternoon, evening and overnight. And a tape log on a clipboard is kept in the office to tell which tapes were used when, and what time they started and finished.

So anyways, an AP can sit at the monitors and control the cameras using an old-style joystick switch, or a more modern sort of trackball. They can punch up any camera in the store on any monitor, although usually only about nine or ten will be able to move. The rest are fixed, and are most likely being recorded on a three-second skip. This means only every third second gets recorded (to save tape space), which aids thieves since it makes it hard to review and see quick motions. Sometimes thieves appear on an aisle, and a moment later seem to just vanish without doing anything. Of course, watching the cameras in real-time doesn't have the three-second skip. But if they have to go back and watch the tape again to see if you really did do what they thought you did, they have to worry about missing it if you moved too fast.

The cameras they *can* move are top notch. They can often zoom in so close that they can read information right off your driver's license all the way from the ceiling. (If it's held still.) One of the big things AP has to get is face shots. They depend on being able to say, Yep, that's the guy. I've got his face on camera right here. So APs become very good at tracking moving people and objects, and at switching quickly to other cameras for a better view. If you spend too much time wandering in a spot where there are no good cameras, or no cameras at all, they'll have to deploy from the office and watch you on foot. This can be good for you, as it heightens the chances that they'll miss something important. However, an APS can come out and follow you while a TPS watches you on camera. If the TPS sees you do something, and the APS doesn't, APSs are *not* supposed to accept this as proof, but many often do. Of course, it's the APSs legal fault if the TPS was wrong.

One of the biggest ways to get caught easily is to *look directly at the cameras*. I know this sounds stupid, and like common sense, but you would not believe how many nervous amateurs will glance repeatedly, or just boldly stare at the dome right above them, giving AP a perfect chance for a face shot and clear view of whatever they're stealing. Keep your eyes down, boy. Just assume the camera is real, and that you should be hiding your hand movements anyways. (Except in Grocery, heh.) If you want to scope out a camera, do it from a long way off, and do not tilt your head or eyes up. Use your peripherals. And trust me - you *cannot* see through the domes to tell if it's pointed at you. They're double-layered to prevent this. And an upturned face is *very* easy to see in a camera, even on one of the smaller monitors, and will instantly attract attention.

Recently Target began outfitting all its stores with a system called "Loronix", which operates on digital recording in a computer instead of tapes. It's a big time-saver for AP, because they can just punch in a time, date and camera, and the footage will come up instantly, instead of having to hunt and peck through hundreds of tapes. Most of the cameras hooked up to it are fixed cameras, though, and still on the three-second skip. All of the register cameras will be on Loronix. They can also save the little movie files to disk, and give these disks to the police as evidence, playable on any computer.

Also, Target camera monitors can be quickly punched up to display whatever current transaction is occurring at a certain register, *as the employee is ringing up the items*, to see if you're price-tag-switching or short-changing the cashier. Be wary.

We'll touch back on cameras with the procedures. . .for now, on to the EAS tags!

Every Target store has a set of EAS stands at the front doors, and all valuable merchandise (according to weekly store plans) is tagged with EAS stickers. These are square, white stickers with bar codes printed across them, which you've probably seen before. (The bar code is to help guests believe it's just for price scanning, not that Target doesn't trust them.) Just pick up a popular CD or DVD at Target, and one will probably be stuck to the back. They're tiny antennas of a sort (and forgive me if I don't know the electronics here - please, no techno-geniuses flaming me for mis-assuming how these work) that will trigger the EAS stand by radio frequencies. The stands constantly generate them, and the sticker passing through will interrupt them, setting off the alarm. (Coincidentally, the numbers printed on the sticker barcode are the actual frequency they're working on.) When items are "deactivated" at checkout, they pass the sticker over a CheckPoint pad that shuts them off. There is one of these pads below the counter of almost every register, so if you can manage to palm an item across it without employees noticing, you can deactivate the sticker. Supposedly, according to the online company tech specs, the Checkpoints are supposed to work up to around a foot or so above the actual pad. Sometimes crooked AP will swipe whole rolls of these stickers across the deactivator pad, rendering them useless before they're placed on products. A lot of other things set off the stands too - cell phones, electronic keycards, anything that might interfere with the frequency. You might even consider stealing a sticker and hiding it inside your wallet, cell phone, etc. just so if there's a TPS at the front checking receipts, you can wave your wallet or phone through and show that it's the culprit, not the DVD in your pants with the sticker removed. TPS's can not thoroughly search you, and if you set off the alarm and just keep on walking, unless an APS was about to arrest you anyways, a TPS can shout all they want but not stop you.

These stickers can be peeled off pretty easily, and you can recognize them also by the pink underside with the square-loop-whirl of metal that makes the antenna. Of course, AP watches for people picking at packages and stickers, so hide your motion as much as you can, or just get rid of the package entirely during a moment you're out of camera view. And be careful - sometimes AP hides the stickers loose *inside* boxes, or they come pre-packaged that way, so you don't even know one's in there. The new rolls of stickers are kept locked up in the AP office until about once a week, when someone will go sticker all the new items on the shelves.

Supposedly thieves have tried shielding the insides of backpacks with aluminum foil to prevent the tags from setting off the stands, but I can't tell you if this works for real or not. You might experiment by stealing just a sticker, taking it home, wrapping it in aluminum foil and hiding it inside your shoe or underwear or somewhere else not obvious, then going back to see if it sets off the alarm. If not, cool, break out that Reynold's Wrap and load up, man.

Of lesser note in AP electronics is the AP computer, which keeps e-mail contact on a private intranet between all the stores, and houses files on every attempted and successful criminal act caught in the store. If any AP members witness suspicious activity, they will record their findings after the fact in the computer, and submit this info by e-mail to all the other local stores, warning them of potential thieves. (They also call a few local stores by phone if they scare off a thief and think they may be heading to another one nearby.) In these files go as much physical description as possible (age, weight, race, clothing), what the thief did, the make/model and license plate of a car if obtained, and whether or not they have good camera footage and face shots. If you're really desperate and need to steal whatever it is that day, drive about an hour away and find another one. Typically they only call stores within a few miles, or within the same general city. The farther you go, the less chance they've been warned. They also may store digital camera mug shots of arrested thieves in the computer (some less advanced stores still have Polaroids). Despite what a dumb cop may bold-face-lie to you, Target does *not* have facial recognition software in their cameras. Your picture is just for future reference, and the cameras will not track you by recognizing your picture. I actually had a cop tell a guy this once, and I was so disgusted I almost told the thief the truth instead. I mean, really. The APTL also uses the computer to track employee theft patterns and register shortages.

Also, to touch briefly on communications - APs keep in touch with each other by radio, and occasionally phone. AP office numbers are almost always a 209, or 3209 extension inside the building. Every store employee has a walkie talkie with two channels on it. Channel One is for general calls and quick conversations, and Channel Two is for more private talk when employees need to explain something in detail and don't want to block out One for everyone else. Only on AP walkie talkies is a third channel, private for AP use. Frequently if an employee spots a potential crime in progress, you may hear the radios crackle, "AP, go to two please, AP, go to two". Once on Channel Two, the employee may relate what they are seeing to the responding AP member. In theory, they try to be private, but other dumb employees will also switch to Two, wanting to listen to the action. This helps thieves who might overhear the eavesdropping employee, and realize they're the ones being talked about.

If a TPS sees something happening and wants to contact their APS, they will call "AP, go to three, please, AP, go to three", or the name of the person, i.e. "Bob, go to three please". If you ever hear the call to go to three, think twice about what you're doing, because you may have been spotted. If the APS is out on the floor and following someone, they leave their radio on Three, so no normal store announcements will come out of it. If a TPS wants to reach them then, they will go to Three on their own radio, blow gently for a moment, and wait for the APS to respond. On the APS end, it produces a soft static crackle, and if they can, the APS will get alone and call back. Frequently they can't because it would alert someone they're already following. A lot of times the TPS blows too hard, so if you're on an aisle and think you're alone, and you suddenly hear a crackling/blowing noise coming from an endcap, drop what you're doing and leave. You're probably already screwed.

Some stores try to be clever and use other code names for AP, like "Hardware 4" or Mr. Something-or-other, to keep from alerting thieves that anything's wrong.

All Target stores also have emergency codes that go over the radio and store speaker system. These are Red, Green and Yellow. Red is for fires, Green is for medical emergencies, and Yellow is for parents who've lost their children. Codes Red and Green will be announced three times in succession, with a location of where employees should respond to. Yellow causes all employees to stop, man every door in the store, and watch for potential kidnappers, while the other employees quickly search the store for the lost child. (A child found without a parent is not a Code Yellow, the store will just page the parents' name over the announcer.) These codes are useful for opportunity thieves, because unless a violent crime is about to happen, AP is required to respond to safety issues before theft ones. A lot of thieves will have a friend cause a fake "accident" on one side of the store to draw AP away from the side they're about to steal on. Of course, there may be enough AP members in-store to go around that day, so don't count on them all being away if they already know you're trying to steal. It's best if they have no idea you were about to do anything. Hang out in a totally different area, someplace harmless, like Office supplies. It's right next to Electronics, usually, so if you suddenly hear "Code Green, Grocery" over the intercom, you can instantly grab your stuff from Electronics and head out the door. This works best at SuperTargets, as the Electronics section is always right in front of the Blue Doors, while Grocery is all the way down the other side at the Green doors.

(P.S. They're called the Blue and Green doors because that's what color they're painted on *all* SuperTargets.)

And if you do decide to ever work with an accomplice - come in separate cars. Don't walk into the store together and then split up. AP will start watching you. And if you do the whole "accident" gag, please make sure it's plausible. The store will try to get you to show personal information for an accident report, in case you try to sue later and lie about how badly you were hurt. You can refuse to stay for this. Also - don't make your accident *so* bad that they immediately call an ambulance. You don't want to have to pay a few hundred in hospital bills just because you're a method actor, and your friend wanted a $20 DVD. The best course is probably to fake a fainting spell, and let an employee "wake" you back up. Stay out long enough to hear the Code Green being called, slowly wake up when the crowd arrives, and assure everyone you're okay, just a little dizzy, could I please have some water, but no, I don't think anything is seriously wrong. No, no ambulances.

One more thing on communications - if you're trying something thieve-y at the registers, and your cashier suddenly gets a call on their phone, they've probably been warned you're up to something. AP does this all the time. If you back out and go to another register and *they* get a call? Leave. Just go. You're probably not going to make it out of the store with whatever you're trying.

On With The Show

Now down to brass tacks. What do you do when you want to steal from Target? How do you get away with it?

It starts all the way out in the parking lot, when you first arrive. If you can, come to the store on foot. Having a car really only gives them another way to track you, by your license plate. Second to that, park in another lot nearby and walk over, out of view of the Target. Lastly, park as far back as you can in the Target lot, but not so far that there are absolutely no other cars within 50 feet of you. The farther away you are, though, the harder it is for them to get your plate when you're leaving in a hurry. The cameras do zoom, but over distance the plate will fuzz out, and it's hard to track a rapidly moving vehicle. Come in to the store at a normal, casual walking pace, paying no attention to other people around you, cameras, anything but being a normal shopper. Way too many thieves come in fast, hoping to escape notice and be out before anyone knows they were there, but more often this attracts attention instead.

When you first walk in the store, pay no attention to any tan-uniformed people you see. The TPSs should not frighten innocent people, and will not pay attention to you if you don't seem to notice them. Do *not* try to be clever and glance out of the corner of your eye at them. This is more suspicious then just giving them a polite smile and walking past.

AP personnel are programmed to watch for behaviors, not stereotypes. (Seriously - despite what thieves may think, they *don't care* that you're black, or young, or have three pounds of metal in your face. They saw you glancing at cameras and opening that package, you dope. *That's* why they arrested you.) Of course, if you're dressed all raggedy and are obviously in need of a fix, they're probably going to watch you anyways. It helps to be neatly dressed, obviously well-behaved (Goofus all you want at home, but be Gallant in the store), and to be with another person. Single males who walk in quickly, take a handbasket and go straight to a section or float around a general area without actually *shopping* are instantly watched. Having a shopping cart means you're planning to spend more time in the store. Having a cart and your girlfriend with you means you're probably not thinking about stealing.

If you really want to mess them up? Spend a half hour, or a whole hour, slowly going up and down the aisles in Grocery and doing a full cart of shopping. They'll give up, if they suspected you at all. Go and get that CD you wanted as an afterthought, pull up to a front lane full of people, pick up the CD, abandon your cart, and walk right out the front doors. (Try to go to a door without a TPS guarding it, of course.) It takes time, but they'll never see it coming. And it's not like *you* have to reshelve all that stuff.

Do *not* load up your cart full of expensive stuff no one in their right mind would buy all at once. Even non-AP employees will know to call you in if they see a cart like that. Too many thieves will stack DVD players in a cart, and then cruise up and down the front aisles, trying to see which door is unguarded. This only gives AP more time to spot you, and a TPS *can* stop you at the door if they clearly saw you walk right past the registers without paying for a cart full of stuff. If you don't have a receipt, they can hold you there until you either abandon the cart and leave, or go back to pay. Don't try the "oh, me, I can't find this darn receipt in my big ol' purse" thing. If you leave the cart and walk quickly out, the TPS will not stop you. They do not care, they have the merchandise. You get away to steal another day. Also, for a TPS, a big cart full of expensive stuff that they prevented from being stolen is a *big* bonus in their quotas. They don't get extra pay, but it's major kudos for stopping a high theft amount. They will still put a report in the computer, and probably try to find tape of you and record your car as you drive away, but they will never stop you from leaving empty-handed.

Okay, so you've found a smaller item that you want, say a DVD. Browse around first. Do not walk straight in, grab the one you want, and head for the back of the store. Look through several, even read the back of the one you want, put it back, look at another, check how much money you have in your wallet, then slowly appear to decide on your target. This goes for most other items, too. If you can, have a basket full of other items, too, that you appeared to really shop for. Don't just toss random stuff in your cart as props. Honestly shop, like you normally would. Wait until you're shopping through an empty part of the store, and either remove the sticker or open the package as quickly and quietly as you can. If you know there's a camera dome nearby, keep your body hunched over the item, your back to the dome, and move your arms as little as possible. It's all in the hands now. A long range camera might still see you from far away, so keep your body as close to the shelf as possible, too. Some thieves will reach back in between other boxes on a shelf and open the wrapper back there, so no cameras can see what they're doing (although they will probably still see that DVD coming back out and going in your pocket). If someone suddenly comes on to the aisle, don't freeze, don't look, just let go and walk away. Continue shopping if you like, but remember, they will *never*, ever arrest you for attempted theft. You have to actually leave the store with items on you to be arrested. It's a universal law of shoplifting.

A good place to go for opening packages might be the middle of the clothing section. . .the racks are just below head height, so anyone sneaking up on you will make themselves very conspicuous if they have to start ducking and crouching. If you hold the item in between two shirts hanging on a display, it will make it almost impossible for the cameras to see what you're doing (and be wary, they also do sometimes put moving cameras in the Clothing section).

Say you do everything right, no one shows up. . .put the item somewhere it won't leave a visible bulge under your clothes. Light jackets with interior pockets sewn in them are great for this. Even if your jacket doesn't have one, just get a piece of matching-color cloth in a big square, and sew three sides of it to the inside of your jacket liner, under your arm, to make a shoplifting pocket. If your jacket has a lining, you could even just make a wide horizontal slit and drop things into it. This is great when you have something in hand, because you can lean over with the other hand and pretend to be getting something off a low shelf, which causes that side of your jacket to hang down, and your stealing hand slips the item smoothly into your jacket, while you still appear to only be browsing. This is better done with leather jackets and things that won't show an outline of the item easily. I used to shoplift right in front of cameras in my younger days by taking stuff to a magazine section, turning my back to the camera and leaning sideways against the shelf. My outer hand would be holding up a magazine to read while my shelf-side hand would be opening the package. My body, to the camera, did not appear to be moving at all, because I only moved my hand and not my arm. I would then smoothly slip the item into a secret pocket in my jacket, and continue reading, folding the package very small and hiding it behind the other magazines on the upper racks when I picked up a different one to "read". Of course, the magazine section in Target has several cameras nearby, since it's right in Electronics, so you may have to find somewhere else to lean.

What if it's warmer weather, and you can't wear a jacket? Target AP will watch for non-seasonal clothing, i.e. people wearing too many layers in blazing heat, or not wearing a jacket at all in the winter. A very common (and surprisingly easy to get away with) theft is to walk in without a jacket, take one of the $100+ leather ones, slip it on, and walk right back out. Target will often put EAS stickers in their jackets, but it is almost always midway up the inside of the sleeve, probably the left one. Feel inside the sleeve for something square and hard, peel it out, wad it up, throw it away, and you can walk out without any alarm. If you're trying to steal in shorts and a t-shirt during the summer, it becomes trickier to hide things under your clothes. For guys and girls, try to slip things down the front of your underwear. I know it feels weird, and try not to walk funny, but it's the only place anything more than a few inches across will probably not show up. Don't just put it in your pants - it'll go straight down the leg and fall out. You may even want to sew a special pocket inside there, just for shoplifting. Some thieves will put on a pair of baggy exercise pants underneath their real pants, and strap them off above the knee with rubber bands or string to things can be dropped down the pants safely and won't fall out. A boxer short version of this can be made for summer days. Just put on your boxers, tie them off near the end around your thigh, and put on your real shorts over them. And a note for you schoolkids: backpacks and bags are not a good idea (even foil-lined ones for you experimenters). Any kind of bag will stand out and you will be watched until you leave the store. Ladies who carry purses are lucky. . .it's often very difficult for AP to establish that a lady actually put something in her purse, especially if her back was to the camera.

A sure-fire way to guarantee messing up AP's strategy at any time is to duck into a bathroom or the dressing rooms in Clothing. Remember - you can cross the registers to the bathrooms at the front with stuff inside your clothing, because *it's not theft until you leave the store*. Literally. If AP sees you heading that way, they may send a TPS to tell people the restroom is closed, and force you back into the store. There is also a restroom at the Pharmacy, though, and chances are they won't beat you there first. If you do get in, though, head for a stall and stay there for a few minutes. A TPS or APS may follow you in, pretend to use the restroom, or probably just wash their hands (so they can immediately follow you back out). The restroom is not a good idea if you have a package you want to open, just if you've already got something hidden. Open it on the floor, hide it, go to the bathroom. Too many times APs will break the rules, and follow you in to the bathroom. Then they will pretend to leave by opening the door and letting it shut, waiting silently. You, being previously unaware, would then proceed to loudly open your package, thinking you're alone, at which point the AP will sneak over to the stall, whip the door open and tell you to give it up and get the hell out of their store. A good hard yank will pop open a restroom stall, and they don't care if your pants are down. This is true even if you're a little kid, because children will almost always take toys and stuff to the bathrooms and think they're safe in there. Of course, if they arrest you, you know now Target policy and can claim that they made illegal surveillance of you while in a private area. Under normal circumstances, if an AP is following all the rules, they will wait until you come out, send in someone to check for the stolen items you may have dumped or for empty packages in the toilets, paper holders, or trash, and then try to establish if you still have the item hidden on you or not. Many times this will instantly break their chain of surveillance and they will have to let you go. Also, if you use the Pharmacy bathroom and dump the wrapper in the trash, you will have a few moments to get to the doors while a TPS or APS will have to verify that the wrapper is there, and radio to the person making the apprehension. However, this still constitutes breaking observation, and they will probably just try to scare you by manning the front doors. Under very rare conditions they can call a DAPTL and get permission to make a bathroom apprehension, but this is almost never allowed. Another thing to consider - the bathrooms in SuperTargets are always right next to an Employees only door, usually right in front of their break room. Come back out, and if no one's nearby, you could duck right in there and run for the Employee entrance door. Careful, though, as sometimes AP will hide right behind that first door and watch through the window to see when you come out of the bathroom.

The same goes for ducking into the changing rooms. Hide an item like a DVD inside a folded up pair of pants, request an item count tag from the attendant at the changing rooms (if they're there) and walk inside. AP cannot watch you from cameras while you're in there, and no cameras are near enough to see in. This is law. They can try to get in another booth next to yours and listen for packages opening, then find the empty package after you leave. And changing attendants will often call AP if they think someone is acting suspicious, or if they hear wrappers being torn. If an AP member ever does arrest you after you entered the bathroom, they are probably counting on the fact that you will be scared, and won't know that they can't do it. They will alter their report to say that you unconcealed the stolen items and reconcealed them again back out in the store after you left the bathroom, which is enough to arrest you on. (Of course, if you really do take the stuff out and then hide it again after you leave the bathroom, you deserve to be arrested.) Many, many times APs of all levels will fudge their reports to hide small mistakes they made or rules they overlooked for the sake of arresting someone they were sure was guilty, and other AP members will probably cover for them, for the greater good. Of course, they risk arresting someone with nothing on them, which is very bad for an AP, or of a fellow team member later ratting them out to an APTL, but chances are they'll get away with it, especially if they're working alone that day.

The Ties That Bind

Now to touch more directly on AP rules. These explain why the bathroom trick works. An APS has many rules about when they specifically *cannot* make an apprehension (arrest you). More so, as I said in the intro, than they do about when they *can* arrest you. The odds are *always* stacked in an intelligent thief's favor, if they know the store policies. The stores are too afraid of lawsuits, and let APs know they may be fired for even only one false arrest, even after years of good service. They have several steps they have to acquire during watching you that if they lose even one of, they may not be able to make the arrest.

First, they must observe you enter the area without the about-to-be-stolen merchandise. This rule is the most often overlooked by APSs, because chances are they won't know you're a thief until you're stealing something.

Second, they have to see you select the merchandise from the shelf or display. They can't risk arresting you for stuff you brought in to the store on your own.

Third, they have to actually see you conceal the merchandise. They are allowed leeway here, because you may have your back to them, but if they see you pick up an item, fiddle with the wrapper, and suddenly the empty wrapper's dropped on the shelf and the item has disappeared, they can make "reasonable assumptions" that you have it hidden on you. Again, someone watching on camera may be able to record you clearly hiding the item, and if it's a fellow APS, the APS on the floor will probably be okay in trusting their judgment. If it's a TPS on camera, the APS is not supposed to take their word on it, but still can if they're willing to risk accepting the legal blame and losing their job if they're wrong.

Fourth, and most importantly, the APS then has to *maintain* observation of you so well that there is *no* reasonable doubt you still have the item on you. This is the hardest bit of any surveillance, because a thief with an item hidden knows they're a time bomb. The thief will start moving more quickly, trying to find a safe way out, ducking around aisles, making it harder for the APS to follow them. This is always a good idea for thieves. Moving quickly, weaving, makes it harder for visual contact to be maintained, and for cameras to follow you. A lot of times a thief good at doubling back and weaving may lose the entire AP dept, and it won't be until later when the tapes are reviewed that they see the thief leaving the store. This gives you every opportunity to dump the stuff if you feel unsafe, and still walk out a free person.

Fifth and last, you then have to actually walk through the doors with the item still on you. All SuperTargets have double doors, and AP plays on this. They will always take you as soon as you pass the first set of doors, inside the foyer. If you haven't left the store with stolen goods, it isn't theft yet, no crime has occurred. APS's are always asked, "Did you have your Five Steps?" to determine if they actually followed the rules. There are lots of mitigating circumstances where they can bend the rules, but overall these ties bind them very tightly, and help you out enormously.

For instance - if you place a large box under your shirt that's so obvious anyone can see the corners poking out, and the APS loses you during Step Four, but finds you again right at the doors, still poking out squarely, they can act on reasonable assumption that you are still stealing. Or if you clearly are carrying the item in your hand, not concealing it at all, they can ignore that rule too.

What this also means is that at any time, if you know that you are being watched, or even suspect it, you don't have to hide anything. You could walk right up to the APS, and remove every item from your jacket, hand it to them, smile and walk out the door. There's nothing they can do. Theoretically, you could even stop at the stands, before you leave, and drop everything on the floor right there, wave to the camera, and go. But when you get near the doors, it'll be hard to prove you weren't intending to leave, so best to do it a ways back.

To help your case if you do get away, try to wear glasses, a hat, and clothing you never intend to wear again. Alter your appearance as much as possible. Die your hair, even. Too many thieves get recognized by their signature clothing, and when you come back to steal the second time and get caught, they'll remember the first time.

The Rundown

So let's say you've decided to go for it anyways. You know you're being watched, but you really want that item tucked away in your jacket. You've weaved and moved, but you're not sure if you lost them or not. You're near the front doors, and you want to act casual, but suddenly one of several things can go wrong.

There may be a TPS blocking your way out. Often, if they think you'll spook and give up, a TPS may just walk nearby you while you're still in the store, glancing very obviously in your direction and making a few more passes as you continue. If a TPS is handling it, an APS may not even be on duty. Remember, a TPS can only scare you, they can't stop you. If you go all the way, they may stand right in front of the exit doors. If you cross to the other doors, they'll cross with you, either pretending not to notice you or staring blatantly at you. If this happens, head back out into the store. Get to a safe distance, and see if the TPS is following you. Lead them to the back of the store, and as fast as you can, don't worry about other customers, sprint for the front. Blast out the doors, and away. You never have to shop there again, you know. Or just quickly and casually weave until the front doors are open, then walk quickly out. They cannot stop you.

You may not see anyone, but an APS may be waiting nearby for you to head out the doors. They will then run quietly up behind you, whip out their orange security badge, and shout, "Target Security!" or "Asset Protection!" or any combination of these with "Freeze!" They have to announce who they are, otherwise you can claim later you thought you were being assaulted by a stranger. They won't always pull out their badge, a verbal warning is legally enough. Be ready if you think you've outrun them, too. . .many times a lone APS will enlist burly, video-game-generation-violent store employees to wait outside the doors and trap you. These guys don't know the rules as well, and may just try to beat you into the ground instead of just subduing you.

There's also a very important rule that Target thieves need to know - the Sidewalk rule. If you can make it past the sidewalk, Target is supposed to let you go. They can't risk the liability of chasing you into traffic and getting you hurt or killed by a car. Of course, if an APS has their arms around you, and you drag them past the sidewalk, you've just waived your right to the Rule. It's all just part of the fight now. This is another reason to be nervous of normal, non-AP employees. They may not know the Rule, and drag you back from the lot if they can catch you, and AP will probably bend the rules and fudge reports to cover. I witnessed it a few times.

If you do get jumped by an APS at the door, it's best to assume there's backup coming. A TPS has to maintain camera footage of the actual apprehension starting, but the instant the APS makes contact with the thief, the TPS will sprint out to help. This is why the AP office is at the front, and exactly between both sets of front doors. Other employees and even customers will often run over to help. If you are going to do anything violent to get free, do it as soon as you know you're being attacked. Remember, the second doors will slow you down, no matter how fast you're moving. An APS will run around in front of you, so if you do try to run, it will probably be back into the store, where they can control you. APSs come in all shapes and sizes, too, from tiny little women to massive, bodybuilding men. And don't just assume that since they're small, you can overpower them. Most of the tiny women I knew at Target could beat the hell out of men twice their size in a few seconds. Target security are not lax in their fight training. They are not allowed to use their radios, handcuffs or anything else as weapons. They are not supposed to strike you, only subdue you by grappling, but if you start swinging punches, they probably will too, and then you have no legal excuse. You started it, and they *will* have tape to prove it. (Remember those fixed cameras at the front doors?) Other than that, all bets are off, and chances are no one will care if you sustain extra bruises during your capture.

Here's a rule I would not advise you to use unless you're absolutely desperate: Target policy forbids AP from attempting to arrest you, or even coming near you, if you have a weapon. If at some point, while you're in the store, you very clearly display a knife or gun to the cameras, they will back off, and attempt to spook you into leaving. APSs will probably start making themselves very obvious to you, not even trying to hide anymore, just glaring as they walk past. *****HOWEVER*****. The instant they know you have a weapon, and are apparently thinking about needing it to get out, they may call the cops to provide backup. They will most certainly report you to the police even if you do leave without stealing, especially if they get your license plate. I would say that a smart thief should *NEVER* carry a weapon for something like shoplifting. It will go *way* harder for you if you do get arrested, and if you know the rules about being able to walk away whenever you want, it's just not worth it. When stealing from Target, you are never going to end up in a life-or-death situation. Or even a life-or-jail one, if you can just get yourself to dump and walk away. If you do want to carry something, I'd suggest pepper spray, as it's non-lethal, and many people would just happen to have it on them. You could always claim you were panicked by the sudden shout and person barreling down on you, and you just reacted and sprayed them. You always carry pepper spray for self-defense, right?

Of course, as with every other rule, there's an exception. . .if an AP member is absolutely *sure* you cannot get to your weapon before they can drop you, they may risk their own life and try to arrest you. They will probably receive a stern warning later, but it's their choice. But it's very heavily pushed upon all APs that no item in the store is ever worth anyone's life. Just let them go, get video footage, report it to the police.

A good idea for any thief is to consider alternative exits. Every Target store has several emergency exit doors located around the outer walls. These doors always have a Detex unit panic bar attached to them, and the double doors (mostly found in SuperTargets) will also have a knob-controlled vertical locking bar. These doors are also all hooked into the Operator's alarm panel in the recesses of the Employee Only area. To open a panic bar, you need only to push on the arm, and the door will open, setting off a blaringly loud alarm, so be ready to run. (Unless the batteries have run down, in which case it might be almost silent - hey, it's really happened a lot. You could also plausibly pick the main lock to open the latch, or use a set of Detex keys to open the casing lock and pull out the battery if you had time.) And there's a magnetic switch hooked to the top of the door which sets off a small alarm at the Operator's desk to let them know the door has been opened. They will immediately contact AP by radio if a Detex door is opened, and let them know which one. On the double doors, you can first turn the knob on the vertical bar, which will unlock it, then slam open the panic bar and run out. Neither of these devices can ever actually be really locked, because they're emergency exits. In a fire or disaster, they can't count on being able to get a key to them, so *anyone*, at *anytime*, has to be able to open them easily. This is very popular with kids, who know the odds of AP catching them running out an emergency door are slim. If you don't think you're being watched yet, you might even release the locking bar first before you've taken anything, and then when you've got the stolen goods, run at full speed, slamming open the Detex bar and, simultaneously, the door, and sprinting away. AP might notice it's unlocked, though, and set a trap for you by waiting right outside, or behind nearby shelves. A lot of times fixed cameras are pointed right at these doors because they're so popular with repeat boosters. (Oh, side note - anyone who has been recognized, even vaguely, as having used the fire exits to steal several times, even from different stores, will attract the special attention of those RAPTLs and DAPTLs I mentioned earlier, the Target SWAT team. They don't like fire exit boosters, and will specifically set traps just for you, boyo.)

But, warning aside, they are a very good alternative when other doors seem blocked. Many thieves will even have an accomplice waiting right outside the emergency door in a car, so they can peel away. If AP sees a car on camera waiting by an exit door, though, they may come out to speak to you or call the police to shoo you away. Or just set traps for you. Anyways. There is usually a door in the sports section of the store, near the Camping Goods, right on an aisle. There are usually four hidden in Employee Only areas at the back of the store. In Grocery where the long freezer walls meet at the corner, there is a swinging door set. Go through these, and just beyond should be another emergency exit door. The same goes if you're along the back wall of the store, in the Domestics sections. There will be a large set of swinging doors, charge through these, you should see straight ahead of you a fire door. Also, if you follow the tall shelves of items in the rear warehouse area of SuperTargets, it may look like you're heading towards a dead end, but in between the last shelf aisles will be another Detex door (with no locking bar!), and beyond that, in the employee training/conference room, there will also be a non-bar Detex door. You risk employees spotting you, of course, but unless they're ignorant of the rules they shouldn't try to actually stop you, other than shouting "Hey!"

If you're really bold, you could even charge into the Employees Only swinging doors at the front of the store (SuperTarget only), and towards the Employee entrance door. (It will always be right by the Operator's desk, and has EAS stands around it, because they don't trust employees, either.) You'd probably have to run past several employees, and definitely right past the AP office door, but once you're out, you're gone into the parking lot.

Of course, with all this excitement and bravery, there still comes the gentler ways of getting out. AP, despite being well trained and on the ball, is only human and cannot be everywhere. They probably only spot about 10% of the theft going on, and catch about 1%.

Many people will try just filling up a cart with whatever they want and walking through the register lanes and right out the door. Out in the parking lot, they can load up their car at leisure. (Not quite the same as the cart-full-of-DVD-players I said earlier, this is just a cart full of different, probably not too expensive items.) Someone may have a Target bag from a previous purchase that still looks relatively new, pull it out of their pocket in the store, load up, and walk out. Some people make a small purchase, ask for a bag, and then head back into the store and load more goods into it. And there's always the most common supermarket theft in the world - eating candy out of the candy bins without paying for it, or "just one or two" grapes from the shelf. I used to take great pleasure in sneaking up on little fat kids stealing candy from the bins, coming right up behind them, and saying, basso profundo, "You gonna pay for that?" Deer in the headlights, every time.

When It All Comes Down

Uh oh. . .you made a bad mistake, and now you're in cuffs and being taken to the Office to await your punishment. What do you do now?

Let's backtrack a moment and look at the theft you made, to see where we can improve your chances. First - AP doesn't like to apprehend for items under $20, because then they can really only warn you, take the stuff back, put you in a report, take your picture and let you go. If you have a one-dollar candy bar, you could probably walk right out the door waving it over your head and no one would stop you. And I really mean $20. . .if you're even half a buck under, they'll probably let you go. But Gods help you if you're a penny over.

If you don't think your chances are good when you're being arrested (i.e. the APS towers over you, biceps bulging), do not fight in *any* way. Calmly hold up your hands, palms open, and state that you surrender. Lay down on the floor with your hands behind your back if you want, and let them peacefully cuff you. I guarantee, if you're calm and don't look like you'll run, they won't even cuff you. They'll take you firmly by the arm to make sure you can't get away, though. This is a time when some thieves might try to suddenly attack the AP, break free and run back out the door, but the police will then be after you for assault. Chances are they probably got good enough footage of you to screw you over on that count, and there probably won't be just one AP holding your arm, either. The more you cooperate, the better they'll treat you.

If you were dumb enough to bring a weapon, and you're now cuffed and being led away, clearly state, "I want you to know, I have a weapon, a (knife, gun, etc.) in my (right pocket, holster, etc.)" Do *not* try to remove it, as this might be taken as hostile action.

When you're taken to the Office, you will be on camera the whole time you're in it. Don't try to make up any stories about AP beating you severely (unless they really did), or sexually molesting you, because AP is *very* good about getting everything on tape, and will be able to prove quickly that you're a thief *and* a liar. They also always leave at least one AP or store team member of the same sex as you in the office the whole time, to act as a witness.

You will be sat down in a plastic chair, or in one of the new restraining benches being installed in most Targets. These are metal benches with a crossbar for attaching handcuffs, so they don't have to worry about you running away until the cops get there. Here's an interesting secret - the crossbar actually is made in two pieces, and screws together like a curtain rod at the center. You can't see the seam because of a support, but the bar can be unscrewed, and not only are you free then, you have a length of metal pipe for a weapon. Of course, many AP people have realized this, and taken the time to superglue it together. (And they will probably just have attached a second set of cuffs to the chain on your cuffs, and that to the bar, so even if you do get free, you're still cuffed behind your back. Not a good situation for escape.)

Here's something to drill into your skull: please, *please* do not try the "I have to go the bathroom" trick. Even if you really do have to go. AP is not going to let you, no matter how much you whine. If they've been around, they will probably tell you, "That's why the chair is plastic," or, "That's why the bench has all those little holes in it." They're serious. Wet yourself right there if you want. And don't try the "Owwwww, my handcuffs are too tight, waaaah," thing. In a few minutes the police will be there and will change out their handcuffs for AP's, so you can whine all you want to them instead.

Now they move on to questioning you. They will need all the personal info they can get from you for their reports. Name, age, ID if you've got it (don't bring it if you're feeling rebellious). They will want to know why you stole, and most of the time all they ever hear is "I don't know." Unless you tried to beat them up, they will be very civil and polite to you, and try to convince you to tell them more about what you were doing when you tried to steal. A *very* common line from APSs and APTLs interviewing thieves is, "Now we're going to try to establish your honesty, so I can tell the cops you're dealing fair with us. It'll go better for you. Now, I know everything you took. I know everything you did. And I want you to tell me, in detail, what you did, to see how honest you're going to be with me." They usually only use this line if they're missing some important gap in their observation of you. They will also tend to sit you down and immediately tell you, "I want everything you took on this desk right now. Everything you were going to steal." If you're cuffed, they may have to remove it for you. But it's definitely smart to obey them on this count at least. . .they're right, the police will be searching you as soon as they arrive, and it will be noted that you tried to lie about not having any other stolen goods on you. However, if you *did* take stuff under $20, and they haven't found it all, and you're pretty sure you're about to be let go, you can risk bluffing it out and still get away with something for the day's hassle.

Overall, if you just want to get the legal stuff done with quickly and accept your punishment, I'd say cooperate completely. However, you are not required to cooperate with Target in any way. You can just say, "I'm taking my right to remain silent in advance," and then shut up until the cops get there. It's probably better this way. The cops may submit all your personal info back to Target later, but the less info they have on you, the better your chances are for stealing in the future. Don't try to lie to the cops, though. You can still continue to remain silent, it is your right. But the cops will be able to really check if you lie about your name, address, etc. I know this seems like common sense, but there are probably going to be a lot of dumb people out there who would try this.

Another note: Target can hold you for a reasonable amount of time before calling the police. They could keep you in that office for a few hours if they wanted, pumping you about your theft.

Honestly, I'm not sure what'll happen to you after the cops take you off, I never checked up. I do know that I've seen people I personally fought to the ground and arrested walking around free a few months later, so it can't be that bad.

Common Sense and Random Ideas

Since I've written this whole thing from about midnight until 8 AM, my mind's getting fuzzy, but I wanted to finish it all in one go. So here's the rest of the advice and cool ideas I can offer up before I hit the sack.

Price tag switching is a very common means of theft at any store. You can steal the sticker off of another, less expensive item, and lay it over the item you want. Hopefully the cashier will not notice, or you might even find a slightly crooked friend already working at that store who's willing to overlook it. Some crooked cashiers will attach stickers to their forearms or watch, so when their friend comes through the line at a pre-decided time, they can simply swipe their own arm across as each item goes pass, ringing up the same price every time. This will be very obvious if AP ever reviews the transactions by computer, but otherwise is a great way to help your friends steal. Tech-savvy thieves can also try printing up their own sticker labels at home by buying an item with a low price, scanning the image of the barcode into their home computer, and printing them up on adhesive backed paper, available at any office supply store.

When cutting open a totally sealed package, don't rip it with your bare hands. This makes way too much noise, and is very noticeable on camera. Bring along a sharp exacto knife or box cutter, and slice as much as you can around the item inside. If you can cut it completely away so that no bending or ripping of the package has to occur to get it out, all the better. A lot of tricksters will pay cash for a DVD, take it home, and very carefully open the bottom part of the clear wrapper. They remove the box, take out the DVD, and carefully slide the box back inside the wrapper, then reseal it with clear glue. Sometimes they might use a cheap, throwaway CD or blank CD-ROM to replace it for correct weight. Take it back to the same store, and return it for your money back (they only make you exchange-for-the-same if the package has been opened). Your crime will probably go undiscovered until the next person buys it off the shelf and brings it back to complain. (Pay with cash so you leave no trail of yourself, just in case.)

Box stuffing is another common means of theft. Select a very large box (say a baby stroller), open it up, and stuff lots of small, inexpensive items into it, then tape it back up (bring your own tape). The cashier rings up the big box, you pay for it, take it home, and empty out your goodies. You can even return the big box item the next day and get your money back.

Don't waste time on small potatoes. Sure, you could steal that DVD today. Or you could steal a $100 jacket, sell it on Ebay, and buy five DVDs tomorrow.

If you ever find a receipt from Target on the ground or in the trash somewhere, and it doesn't look horribly mangled or dirty, see if there's anything expensive on it paid for by cash or check. (Make sure it's for a previous day if it's by check, so they can't just say, Oh, here's your check, we'll just tear it up.) You can then walk into the store, grab that same item off the shelf, take it to Guest Services and "return" it for the cash. If you can ever get your hands on a roll of real receipt tape from Target, you could scan in a real receipt from a minor purchase, and alter it according to match more expensive items, then print it out yourself. Brand new is much better than trash receipts. Of course, AP watches for people doing this, and you may not even realize you have the whole dept. casually waiting around you at the desk, looking just like customers. I suppose you could also just buy entirely blank receipt tape of the same texture and size from an office supply, and scan both the front and back of the receipt, printing up new ones all your own. However, be forewarned that since they keep computer-cash register records, they can instantly bring up your previous transaction, and see that the receipt doesn't match, or doesn't exist at all. This is why it's better to just use found receipts, or if you find a dirty, mangled, receipt, print up a shiny new one with the exact same info on it.

AP also watches specifically for people waiting in cars right outside the front doors. Thieves will have their buddies wait for them in case they come out running, so they can peel away. This is stupid, because Target won't chase you into the parking lot. Just have your friend park way back in the lot, and run out to them. Or, as suggested earlier, come entirely on foot, and leave the same way so there's no way to identify you.

If for some reason you ever think about robbing Target's Guest Service desk (beats me why, it's right out in the open and all), don't fall for their Robbery Fund. It's a plastic clear bag with wads of cash inside it labeled "$2000" on each wad. It's really a load of ones with big bills around it. (I don't think it's an ink-pack or tracker, just a sucker batch to make you think you got more than you really did.)

If you're one of those ridiculous drug thieves that likes to steal Sudafed for your suppliers, keep in mind that Target will let you actually buy three boxes at a time, with no problem. APs don't mind buyers, but when a jittery, obvious junkie comes in and starts dumping boxes and boxes of Sudafed into a handbasket, they are definitely going to be waiting for you at the doors.

The AP offices will always have a spare handcuff key somewhere, probably hanging on the wall, and a door that has to be opened from the inside (meaning no one else can come in from the outside without their own key). The ceiling is usually a false lowered ceiling, which means a person could push up the acoustic tile, climb onto the wall structures and make their way carefully to another room, climb quickly down and run for it.

Do not ever act nonchalant, then suspicious when you think you're alone, then nonchalant again when you see a person walk by. This is what AP is hoping to see you do. The best thieves will appear casual and like they don't even notice that they *are* stealing while they're doing it. If you can open a package while moving around a corner, even better. Corners are your friends, as they momentarily break surveillance of you as the APS follows or the camera view has to be switched. If you need to conceal or dump, do it on the move, preferably the instant after you turn a corner.

At some Targets (the plain Targets), ceiling mirrors will be installed over some high-theft aisles. APSs will carry small hand mirrors covered by a magazine or other item, and look down into their mirror, which reflects the ceiling mirror, and shows them what you're doing in the next aisle over. For some reason most thieves never look up into these mirrors. They probably think they're hiding cameras or something. Even without a hand mirror, an APS can simply pretend to be shopping the top shelf, and glance upwards directly at the ceiling mirror. If you start to head down the aisle, they will pace you in the opposite direction, moving around the endcap right as you do, watching you in the mirror, and you may never even know they're there. They also sometimes will push along a cart with a large mirror in it, turned at a sideways angle so they can see down an aisle they're walking past just before they themselves actually come into view.

If you ever see someone up on a hydraulic lift repairing cameras or moving camera domes, do not assume it's just a janitor. Only AP touches the cameras and domes, and they now have a bird's eye view of you.

The best time of day to steal is probably the instant the store opens in the morning. TPSs working solo shifts have to make the rounds of the store, and take a tally of all the high-theft items on a clipboard. This keeps them in a predictable pattern of movement, as they generally make one big circle around the store, and they won't be in the office watching the cameras. Many shifts are covered completely alone by a TPS or APS with no backup at all. Every store usually has only one or two APSs, and at least three or four TPSs that come on different shifts. At store closing, the main lights will be shut off, and the doors manned by regular employees so that no one new comes in, but the last people in the checkout lane may get out. The TPSs have to make the rounds with the inventory clipboard again at closing, so this would also be a good time to steal, although it increases the chance there will be another AP member somewhere in the store or watching cameras. The TPS will check in Pharmacy, for drugs and razors, through a lot of aisle for empty packages, the radar detectors, GPS units, and anything else being watched for high theft.

To sum it all up, the best things you can do for yourself are:

Come on foot, or park out of view of the store.
Pay attention to your "shopping". Only lifters watch other shoppers.
Be casual. Don't look up, or around.
Once loaded, move fast, and weave.
Use alternate exits if you don't feel safe.
Pay attention to radio announcements from nearby employees.
Hit the bathrooms or changing room to screw them up.
TPS's by their own lonesome cannot stop you. But they may have backup.
Try to keep it as far under $20 as you can if you think you'll be caught.
If all else fails, drop the stuff in very plain view, and leave.

Good luck to all the up-and-comers out there. I hope this tutorial was as entertaining and informative as the disclaimer says it was. Again, I accept no responsibility if you actually act on any of this info, and it's your own damn fault if you get caught. I apologize if I forgot to mention anything, you'll just have to figure it out on your own. And there's always the chance that after a few months from this tutorial's release, they'll find out about it, freak out, and change everything. But, life is an adventure. Just think slow, follow the guidelines, and you'll be right on Target. Peace, cheers, and I'm out.

- Xap

To the best of our knowledge, the text on this page may be freely reproduced and distributed.

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TARGET Stores
Assests Protection Manager

Reply to: job-238122578@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-11-21, 10:56AM PST


See Yourself at Target

Employing more than 270,000 team members in 47 states, we value creativity, diversity and collaboration in all its forms. From stocking our stores' shelves with fantastic products at great prices to a deep commitment to community giving, Target strives for excellence in every area.

Store Assets Protection (Loss Prevention)

As a team member of the Assets Protection team in Target stores, you'll help create a safe, secure environment for guests and team members through your work on shortage control, safeness, and theft and fraud control.


Purpose

As an Executive Team Leader - Assets Protection, you'll supervise and administer our Assets Protection programs, upholding the reliability of your store's security measures at every step. In addition, you'll build and develop your store's Assets Protection team to ensure these programs are carried out accurately and consistently, creating a positive shopping experience for our guests and a safe work environment for our team.

See Yourself:
•Keeping our stores safe and secure against loss
•Maintaining team member awareness of stock shortage programs
•Fostering awareness of internal theft among store team members
•Initiating investigations and interviews when losses occur
•Implementing and maintaining shoplifter prevention programs
•Directing and participating in the detection, apprehension and processing of shoplifters
•Hiring, training and supervising the Assets Protection team and ensuring maximum coverage to the store through proper scheduling
•Following through on all mandated safety programs to reduce losses
•Maintaining positive working relationships with local political, educational and law enforcement officials and agencies

Job Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
•College degree required
•Two or more years of supervisory/management experience
•Two or more years investigative and/or other retail experience
•Experience in conducting interviews
•Ability to work with highly confidential information
•Ability to move about all areas of the store quickly and without attracting attention, including climbing ladders and maneuvering in and out of confined areas
•Ability to apprehend and confront guests and team members in a calm, professional and diplomatic manner
•Ability to work flexible work hours including some nights and weekends
See The Rewards

Eligible team members will receive one of the best earnings packages anywhere, including competitive pay, all-around insurance coverage, 401(k), flexible scheduling, training and development and many other perks and benefits. See a place of exciting challenges and rewards. See a place where you'll feel empowered to do something brilliant. See a place filled with creativity and unlimited opportunity. See a place where 'work' could easily be called play. To apply, visit our careers Web site at Target.com/careers to view all career opportunities. See yourself here. Target is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is a Drug-Free Workplace.


Investigator with Target Stores (san bruno)

Reply to: SFBayArea.Recruiting@target.com
Date: 2006-11-14, 10:15AM PST


See Yourself At Target
Employing more than 270,000 team members in 47 states, we value creativity, diversity and collaboration in all its forms. From stocking our stores' shelves with fantastic products at great prices to a deep commitment to community giving, Target strives for excellence in every area.

Purpose:
As an Assets Protection Investigator, you will develop and execute plans to address Financial Risks (Organized Theft, Fraud, and Significant Internal Dishonesty) in moderately high-risk markets. Develop and execute investigations and tactics that address identified financial risks. Investigate and resolve instances of Organized Retail Theft, Fraud, and Major Internal Cases. Provide crisis response support to market stores for significant business disruptions (robbery, protest). Recruit and develop market investigators. Coordinate investigations and intelligence with NIS, FIS, SCIT and SIT.


See Yourself:
Analyzing by using provided data (financials), criminal intelligence, and resources to focus investigative efforts to identify and resolve financial risk related to theft and fraud in assigned markets. Gathers and documents critical information and intelligence for input to market and national criminal databases and information management efforts

Deveolping and implementing investigative plans and tactics that effectively address the market's financial risk identified through analysis. Uses available intelligence, tools and resources to identify, investigate, and resolve market level cases involving organized theft, fraud (ORT), and significant internal dishonesty. Gathers evidence to support criminal prosecution and civil remedy of identified criminal activity. Documents all investigative activity in a manner that ensures the proper recording and appropriate resolution of case. Presents cases to Law Enforcement, Prosecution authority and/or Human Resources for adjudication. Ensures the proper final resolution of cases including recovery for the corporation in terms of civil remedies or restitution.

Leading market wide effort combating OTF. Provides guidance and direction to store AP teams concerning investigative plans and cases. Coaches and develops Associate Investigators in development and execution of criminal investigations. Responds to market stores during crisis situations to provide support and lead investigative efforts to facilitate investigation and resolution efforts with Law Enforcement. Trains Store and AP teams on the impact of OTF and preventative actions and awareness.

Establishing market wide communication to gather criminal intelligence and coordinate market investigations operations and investigations. Ensures store APTLs, APSs, and TPSs know and understand what constitutes intelligence and are documenting and communicating effectively. Coordinates investigations with NIS, FIS, SCIT, and SIT to ensure the appropriate resources are addressing the issue. Maintains close communication and coordination with Law Enforcement concerning market issues and criminal trends. Establishes and maintains market wide communication with Store leadership to ensure understanding of current market issues, results, and preventative actions. Trains high-risk stores as it relates to OTF and preventative awareness. Establishes and maintains partnership with Retail/Law Enforcement associations to disseminate/coordinate intelligence and share current trends and issues.


Minimum Requirements:
* Three to five years investigative experience
* Strong oral and written communication skills
* Strong analytical skills
* Systems application aptitude (PC and mainframe applications)
* Able to work independently
* Proven track record of successful criminal case resolution
* Understanding of law enforcement and private security


Desired Requirements:
* Four year degree
* Supervisor experience
* Awareness of industry and governmental investigative agencies and ability to work within agency protocol
* Five years of retail assets protection or related law enforcement experience


See The Rewards
Eligible team members will receive one of the best earnings packages anywhere, including competitive pay, all-around insurance coverage, 401(k), flexible scheduling, training and development and many other perks and benefits. See a place of exciting challenges and rewards. See a place where you'll feel empowered to do something brilliant. See a place filled with creativity and unlimited opportunity. See a place where 'work' could easily be called play. To apply, visit our careers Web site at Target.com/careers to view all career opportunities. See yourself here. Target is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is a Drug-Free Workplace.


Title Executive Team Leader - Assets Protection - Michigan
Company Target Stores
Position Location Michigan
AutoReqId 26735BR
See Yourself At Target See a company like no other.

We're a company living a clear vision; to be the best. In every area of our business. In everything we do.

Our nationwide channel of retail stores, distribution centers, and corporate offices offer you thousands of opportunities to join our diverse team and bring your best.
Imagine A Career In Store Assets Protection

As a team member of the Assets Protection team in Target stores, you'll help create a safe, secure environment for guests and team members through your work on shortage control, safeness, and theft and fraud control.
Job Description Purpose

As an Executive Team Leader - Assets Protection, you’ll supervise and administer our Assets Protection programs, upholding the reliability of your store’s security measures at every step. In addition, you’ll build and develop your store’s Assets Protection team to ensure these programs are carried out accurately and consistently, creating a positive shopping experience for our guests and a safe work environment for our team.

See Yourself:
• Keeping our stores safe and secure against loss
• Maintaining team member awareness of stock shortage programs
• Fostering awareness of internal theft among store team members
• Initiating investigations and interviews when losses occur
• Implementing and maintaining shoplifter prevention programs
• Directing and participating in the detection, apprehension and processing of shoplifters
• Hiring, training and supervising the Assets Protection team and ensuring maximum coverage to the store through proper scheduling
• Following through on all mandated safety programs to reduce losses
• Maintaining positive working relationships with local political, educational and law enforcement officials and agencies

Job Requirements

Minimum Requirements:
• High school diploma or equivalent; college degree preferred
• Two or more years investigative and/or other retail experience
• Experience in conducting interviews
• Ability to work with highly confidential information
• Ability to move about all areas of the store quickly and without attracting attention, including climbing ladders and maneuvering in and out of confined areas
• Ability to apprehend and confront guests and team members in a calm, professional and diplomatic manner
• Flexible work hours including some nights and weekends
• Knowledge of Target information systems and all aspects of Assets Protection, including internal investigations and the use of electronic detection equipment
See The Rewards Eligible team members will receive one of the best earnings packages anywhere, including competitive pay, all-around insurance coverage, 401(k), flexible scheduling, training and development and many other perks and benefits. See a place of exciting challenges and rewards. See a place where you'll feel empowered to do something brilliant. See a place filled with creativity and unlimited opportunity. See a place where 'work' could easily be called play. See yourself here. Target is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is a drug-free workplace.



• Minimize theft and fraud while maximizing safeness
• Cultivate effective partnerships with law enforcement, community
agencies and Target team members
• Provide a clean, safe shopping environment for guests and fellow team members



BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
Think ahead, move forward. As part of the Business Intelligence group you will collect and analyze competitive intelligence to support the Enterprise Risk Management teams, as well as keep AP initiatives in sync with overall Target strategies.

COMPLIANCE, PLANNING AND ANALYSIS
Help make sure that Target’s Assets Protection group is the fastest, smartest and most effective in the industry. This team develops processes, identifies sourcing opportunities, and measures the awareness and effectiveness of AP efforts.

CORPORATE INVESTIGATIONS AND FORENSIC SERVICES
The Target AP Forensic Lab evaluates and provides analysis of scientific evidence for Target investigations teams and law enforcement. Currently, the lab provides video- and computer-forensic services.

CORPORATE SECURITY
Be part of the security service team that ensures adequate protection of Target team members, physical assets and corporate facilities. Opportunities include Manager of Corporate Security and Executive Protection and Corporate Security Supervisor positions.

FINANCIAL INVESTIGATION
Like your detective work by the numbers? This group develops process, analyzes data and investigates financial fraud to create a trustworthy transaction environment. Opportunities include Group Team Leader, Team Leader, Process Leader, Process Owner, Analyst, Investigations Coordinator and Investigations Associate positions.

GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Create a unified front against the complex forces that create theft or unsafe situations. This team works with law enforcement and local community leaders, and it creates other partnerships that maximize safeness and profitability for Target. Opportunities include Manager and Process Owner positions.

INVESTIGATIONS
Dig in and make a difference as you research, investigate, analyze and resolve organized internal and external retail theft and fraud. Opportunities include Regional Team Leader, Investigations Team Leader, Senior Investigator, Investigator, Investigative Technician and Investigative Analyst positions.

MERCHANDISE PROTECTION
As part of the Merchandise Protection team, you’ll collaborate with outside partners to create common protection standards for high-theft merchandise.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Like the satisfaction of getting the job done? The Project Management team identifies technology to meet business needs while developing processes that support safeness and reduce theft and fraud. Opportunities include Manager, Process Leader and Project Coordinator/Business User Coordinator positions.

SAFENESS
The best defense is a good team member—like you. If you’re interested in preventing harm to guests, communities, facilities and fellow team members, this is the team for you.

STORE OPERATIONS
Support from HQ is absolutely necessary to ensure the success of AP initiatives; as a member of the Store Operations group, you’ll develop efficient, effective programs and tools to support store team members.




Target Headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota

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