I am a Wal-Mart APA (Asset Protection Associate.) I am one of thous guys that follow and watch shoplifters. If you look or dress shady, then you know who I am. I am the person who stops shoplifter, but Wal-Mart's current policies gets in my way of doing that. The policy is called AP-09, and with a quick Google search, you can probably find a current copy of it. They are rules and regulation for us “Floor Walkers.” The current AP-09 draft for Wal-Mart is a thieves paradise, and it make my job almost impossible. That is why I am giving up all the industry secrets to you, the reader. I'm not trying to entice you to go out and steal, my only hope for this is that it will make the higher ups wise up and change the policy back to the old rough and tough policies; The ones that actually stop shoplifter. In California now, the policy is “hands off”, we can't run after shoplifters, and the only physical contact we can have is a light touch on the shoulder. What the fuck is that? Once again, I'm not trying to turn you into a shoplifter, I just want to show how easy it is to steal at Wal-Mart.

The basics

Elements

Every APA in Wal-Mart has to follow these 4 elements to be able to stop a person.

1- Selection

The AP has to see the person select the product off the shelf.

2-concealment or possession

The AP has to see clearly, and with an unobstructed view, that the suspect concealed the items into a purse , bag, or on their person. * if they did not conceal the item, they have to see that the suspect hasit with them at all times.

3- constant possession

The AP has to watch them have constant possession of the item without breaking eye contact for more than three seconds. This is to make sure that the suspect did not leave the item behind.

4- passing last point of sale.

The AP can only stop the suspect, when the suspect has passed the last possible point where they can pay for the item. *The laws of theft are different in every state, But in California it is not considered theft until they walk out the store. In regular CA Store like super centers, that means between the double doors. In regular Wal-Marts, there are two door sets people walk through. Basically you can be stooped between them.

What makes it easy to shoplift at Wal-Mart

1. Walking into the bathroom.

Say you already concealed an item. Like a pack of pins. If you already put it in your purse or pocket, all you have to do is walk into the bathroom for a few minutes. This will reset all 4 elements, and the AP has to reestablish them, with another product. Wal-Mart does this because the AP doesn’t know if you left the item behind in the bathroom. Say if you did, and the AP stooped you and you don't have anything on you, that is very bad for everyone. The company, the AP, a lot of people can get in trouble for a bad stop. Its reasonable to have this rule, but a lot of people get away with stealing like this.

2. Ten foot rule

Like regular associate from Wal-Mart, APA's also has a Ten foot rule. Its not asking a customer if he/she need help; Its the distance from the exit of the store that the APA can stop you. Like I said earlier, APAs can chance a suspect into the parking lot, so Wal-Mart implanted a rule where there is only a ten foot barrier where you can apprehend someone from the exit. You can imagine how frustrating this is. Ten fucking feet, its insane.

3. Witness

When an AP stops someone, they have to do it with a witness. This is to protect the AP from getting in trouble with the suspects lies. If a suspect says that the AP was saying racist things like, “Get in side you fucking Spic” There is no witness there to say other wise. This is another reason why it suck working as an APA in Wal-Mart. Some store have a lot of witness available, but in my small store, its almost impossible to set up a witness the last minute. This means that I have to watch the thief walk away with all our shit. So, if you are stopped by an AP and they are alone, just point out that they don't have a witness. They will most likely run off like a bitch.

4. Run away/Walk away

Since we can't chance thieves, if you steal and you get stopped for it, just fucking run or walk away. We can't do shit about it. This month I mad 18 stops, with all my elements in place, but they all ran from me. So I have shit cases this month.

5. Age requirements

If your under the age of 16, or over the age off 65, the AP is suppose to deter you from stealing. But if you do steal, say your 14 and you try to steal a TV, Wal-Mart can't prosecute you with the cops. Basically if you are caught stealing, and you are brought back to be processed, they will get your info down and let you go

*underage, if you are under 16, we can't let you go alone. The AP has to call your parent or guardian to pick you up. If your parent can not be contacted the police has to come and pick you up So beware of that.

So now you know how easy it is to steal from Wal-Mart.

walk into the bathroom.

Run/or walkaway

and if your under 16 or over 65, just steal

For the last time, this is not an instructional piece to get you to steal, its just an observation of how stupid Wal-Mart is. Take care.