This past fall, I read the story of Michael Righi and how he got detained illegally by Circuit City, and subsequently arrested by Brooklyn, Ohio police. Basically, what happened was Michael went into CC, purchased 2 items, and as he was leaving the store, he got the customary interception by the door person asking to see his receipt. He refused, and was followed into the parking lot and detained there by CC employees. Michael called the police, who upon arriving asked to see his I.D. Michael once again refused, since he had done nothing wrong, and was placed under arrest. Of course, he was released, as everything he did was well within his legal rights.
After I read that story, I have to admit that I felt pretty stupid. I felt like a sheep. I mean, I had always been more than happy to show my receipt, because it never occurred to me that I was being illegally harassed. Typically, I know my rights and exercise those rights at all times. So, when I came to the ‘duh’-like revelation that I had given up my rights and succumbed to such gross harassment so many times, I felt dumb. I mean, I have long since made it a point to never stop when I purchase something with an RFID tag on it that an inept checkout person failed to scan, thus causing me to set off the door alarm. Its amazing to me how many people actually feel bad when they trip those things! I mean, you paid for your stuff, and now you’re apologizing because you’ve been accused of shoplifting? Fuck that!!!
Somehow, I never made the logical connection to the ’show me your receipt’ attacks at the big box electronics stores. Reading Michael’s story changed that, and I promised myself to never agree to show them anything, unless they were willing to call the police. This brings me to yesterday evening…
While at work yesterday, I purchased a wireless mouse and a 25-pack spindle of DVD+R’s online for in-store pickup, so that I could quickly grab these things on my way home from work. As I walked in to CC with my 8.5″x11″, 2-page printout of my purchase verification email, I was, as always, cordial to the guy at the door. When he welcomed me to CC, I politely greeted him and thanked him for his whole ‘welcome spiel’. I then walked the 50 feet to the customer service counter to pick up my order, provided my driver’s license and the VISA card I used for the purchase, signed a receipt and was on my way to the door. Of course, the door guy prepared for his usual inspection.
Him: “Can I take a look at your receipt, sir?”
Me: “Excuse me?”
Him: “I just need to check your receipt.”
Me: “Why?”
Him: “Its store policy, sir.”
Me: “No, its actually illegal and violates my civil rights.”
He was dumbfounded, at the customers at the 2 nearest checkout lanes were now paying attention, as I was making no effort to be quiet. He stammered, and managed to say
“I can get my manager, sir.”
Me: “Fine. I’d love to teach him about civil rights.”
Him: “Its store policy to check your receipt, sir, and I can’t let you leave until I do.”
Me: “Are you suggesting that the Madison Heights Circuit City’s store policy supercedes my civil rights?”
This drew audible laughter from those now watching this episode unfold. The CC door guy was completely dumbfounded, which leads me believe no one has ever informed him just how asinine the above concept was, but he surely was starting to understand my point. Instead of waiting for him to say something, I said
“Are you going to try and retain me?”
Him: “You won’t be allowed back into the store if you leave.”
Me: “That’s fine by me.”
Now, many people will probably read this and think its a waste of time and energy, and I should have just gave in and provided my receipt. To that, I say bullshit. In what United States of America am I presumed a shoplifter without cause? The excerpt from Michael’s blog below sums up my feelings on the issue rather well:
I’ve always taken the stance that retail stores shouldn’t treat their loyal customers as criminals and that customers shouldn’t so willingly give up their rights along with their money. Theft sucks and I wish that shoplifters were treated more harshly than they are, but the fact is that I am not a shoplifter and shouldn’t have to forfeit my civil rights when leaving a store.
Indeed.
Jack Thompson Guilty on 27 Charges
May 21, 2008 — BThis is awesome. Jack Thompson, the sworn enemy of gamers, free speech advocates and intelligent people everywhere, has been found guilty on 27 of the 31 charges against him. Judge Dava Tunis released her report which details the charges.
Again, this is awesome, and a massive win for free speech as it pertains to games. This jackass was constantly placing the blame on game publishers for violent games ending up in the hands of kids. Never mind that the retailers broke the law in selling those games to minors, he never seemed to get the concept that parents need to be held accountable as well.
Its always nice to see sanity prevail.