Illegal search for suspected shoplifting?

Civil Rights 8 views 4 answers
My wife and i were shopping. She had a list she kept pulling out of her hoodie pocket. Another customer informed the cashier she saw her put stuff in her pocket. We got what we needed and checked out. We headed towards the door to leave and there was a cop there. We didn't think anything about it until he said i need to talk to you. So i moved away from the door and he then grabed my wrist forcefully and said dont even think about it. Never left the store. We then got taken to the office. I was searched and cleared. The cop didnt want to search her even though she was the one seen. She said go ahead search me too. We were then sent on our way without an apology.

Attorney Answers

4
Alison Motta ·
Yes, that was likely an illegal search and possibly false imprisonment. Not much of a point in doing anything about it though. It would cost you more to pursue then the claim is worth. It's not worth your time or money. Make a complaint to appropriate police department or internal affairs just so you feel better about voicing your concerns and asserting that you were wronged.
0 upvotes
Steven Gardner ·
Cases similar to these complaints are complicated and difficult to prove.
0 upvotes
James Yeargan ·
The store enjoys shopkeeper's privilege which means they can search and detain individuals they suspect of stealing. It sounds like the officer had a valid tip that someone suspected you of shoplifting which means the search was valid. Just because he didn't find anything does not make it an illegal search.
0 upvotes

People Also Asked