Badges - Re: Wal-Mart Security Employees Fired for Disarming Store Gunman
- From: Michael Volling <mvolling@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: badges@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Mon, 9 May 2011 23:19:42 -0500
Heaven forbid these guys be allowed to defend themselves and their
coworkers. Unless there is more to the story, I can't see how Wal-
mart can justify terminating them. This is what happens when
management enforces a zero tolerance policy and won't make exceptions.
On May 9, 2011, at 8:21 PM, CarlGlas@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> Four Wal-Mart employees have been fired after management said they
> violated company policy by disarming an alleged shoplifter who had
> pulled a gun inside the store.
>
> Lori Poulsen, Justin Richins, Shawn Ray and Gabriel Stewart were all
> longtime workers at Wal-Mart's Layton, Utah, store. Poulsen was an
> asset protection coordinator, Richins and Ray were asset protection
> associates, and Stewart was an assistant manager.
>
> On Jan. 13, employees allegedly witnessed a man identified as Trent
> Allen Longton take a netbook computer out of the package and stuff it
> under his shirt. When Longton attempted to leave the store, he was
> confronted by Poulsen, who escorted him to a nearby office. The two
> were joined there by Ray, Richins and Stewart, Salt Lake City's
> Deseret News reported.
>
> Inside the office, Longton allegedly pulled out a loaded handgun and
> ran toward the office door, which was blocked by Ray, Richins and
> Stewart. Longton then allegedly grabbed Stewart and shoved the gun
> into his back. Concerned for their safety, the workers reacted
> forcefully and disarmed Longton.
>
> In the police incident report, the investigating officer noted that
> the Wal-Mart employees acted in the "best interest and safety" of
> those around them. Longton, as it turned out, was a convicted felon
> who was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
>
> Wal-Mart managers, however, disagreed. The following week, the four
> workers were fired for violating the company's "Investigation and
> Detention of Shoplifters Policy." The policy instructs employees to
> retreat if an individual brandishes a weapon.
>
> "If during an approach or investigation, it becomes apparent that the
> suspect has a weapon or brandishes or threatens use of a weapon; all
> associates must disengage from the situation, withdraw to a safe
> position, and contact law enforcement," reads a copy of the policy
> available online. "If at any point the suspect or any other involved
> person becomes violent, disengage from the confrontation, withdraw to
> a safe position and contact law enforcement."
>
> The next paragraph instructs employees to "put people first," stating
> that protecting the physical well-being of "suspects, customers and
> Wal-Mart associates is your first priority."
>
> Speaking with the Deseret News last week, the dismissed employees
> said they had nowhere to go and were forced to subdue the suspect
> when he charged them. They also said they were not comfortable
> allowing an armed man into the store area where shoppers could be at
> risk.
>
> Sponsored Links
> Wal-Mart did not immediately respond to a request for comment today
> from AOL News.
>
> In a previously released statement obtained by The Deseret News,
> managers defended their actions, saying the four put their safety
> "and potentially the safety of our customers and other associates in
> jeopardy."
>
> Stewart, who had been with Wal-Mart for 12 years, told the newspaper
> he is still trying to understand the company's decision.
>
> "I honestly felt worse than when I had the gun to my back," he said.
> "I honestly felt betrayed."
>
> http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/15/wal-mart-security-employees-fired-for-disarming-store-gunman/
>
>
>
>
>
> The Badges Law Enforcement Discussion Group - Est. 1997
>
The Badges Law Enforcement Discussion Group - Est. 1997
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