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As long as it's under $50.
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/commu...s-under-50.ece
Published: Dec 30, 2011 9:14 AM
Dallas Police officers will stop responding to retailers’ complaints about shoplifters unless the stolen merchandise is valued over $50 or the suspected crook already has an arrest warrant, according to a new policy obtained byThe Dallas Morning News.
Under the policy that takes effect Jan. 5, stores wishing to prosecute such cases will be asked to file the cases directly with prosecutors by filling out online affidavits.
Dallas Police officials did not immediately respond to questions about the new policy Friday, but one police officers’ group issued its criticism.
“The goal of this policy is to lower crime stats, not to protect the citizens of Dallas,” said Ron Pinkston, president-elect of the Dallas Police Association. “This is going to kill the small business owners.”
A theft under $50 is considered a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine. Punishment can be enhanced if the suspected shoplifter has prior theft convictions.
According to a department training bulletin on the new policy: “Officers will no longer issue citations and make offense reports for Class C shoplifting if the suspect can be identified and has no warrant for their arrest. Businesses will be permitted to straight file their case directly with the City of Dallas Prosecutor’s office.”
In addition, businesses that arrest a person for shoplifting over $50 will be required to sign an affidavit promising to press forward with prosecution.
It is not clear from the stated policy how or whether the lower-level offenses would be counted in the city’s crime tally. Thefts account for a large percentage of criminal offenses in Dallas.
When contacted, police officials in both Houston and Fort Worth said they still respond to Class C shoplifting calls.
In Fort Worth, officers issue citations for theft under $50 unless the cited person has a warrant. In that case, a higher charge is issued, spokesperson K.A. Whitehead said.
Dallas Police officers will stop responding to retailers’ complaints about shoplifters unless the stolen merchandise is valued over $50 or the suspected crook already has an arrest warrant, according to a new policy obtained byThe Dallas Morning News.
Under the policy that takes effect Jan. 5, stores wishing to prosecute such cases will be asked to file the cases directly with prosecutors by filling out online affidavits.
Dallas Police officials did not immediately respond to questions about the new policy Friday, but one police officers’ group issued its criticism.
“The goal of this policy is to lower crime stats, not to protect the citizens of Dallas,” said Ron Pinkston, president-elect of the Dallas Police Association. “This is going to kill the small business owners.”
A theft under $50 is considered a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine. Punishment can be enhanced if the suspected shoplifter has prior theft convictions.
According to a department training bulletin on the new policy: “Officers will no longer issue citations and make offense reports for Class C shoplifting if the suspect can be identified and has no warrant for their arrest. Businesses will be permitted to straight file their case directly with the City of Dallas Prosecutor’s office.”
In addition, businesses that arrest a person for shoplifting over $50 will be required to sign an affidavit promising to press forward with prosecution.
It is not clear from the stated policy how or whether the lower-level offenses would be counted in the city’s crime tally. Thefts account for a large percentage of criminal offenses in Dallas.
When contacted, police officials in both Houston and Fort Worth said they still respond to Class C shoplifting calls.
In Fort Worth, officers issue citations for theft under $50 unless the cited person has a warrant. In that case, a higher charge is issued, spokesperson K.A. Whitehead said.
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