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EMPLOYEE THEFT INVESTIGATION

NCJ Number
60917
Author(s)
J K BAREFOOT
Date Published
1979
Length
245 pages
Annotation
INTENDED FOR SENIOR BUSINESS MANAGERS, ACADEMICIANS, AND SECURITY PROFESSIONALS, THIS BOOK PROVIDES AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE IMPACT OF EMPLOYEE THEFT AND HOW THESE LOSSES CAN BE CONTROLLED.
Abstract
WHILE THERE IS NO EASY WAY TO DEVELOP MEANINGFUL STATISTICS FOR INTERNAL BUSINESS CRIME, CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATES HAVE RANGED FROM $2 TO $4 BILLION PER YEAR. THE COSTS OF SUCH THEFTS HAVE TRADITIONALLY BEEN PASSED ALONG TO CUSTOMERS. HOWEVER, IN THE LAST 10 YEARS BUSINESSES HAVE MOUNTED MAJOR EFFORTS TO COMBAT THESE LOSSES IN ORDER TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE. MORE AND MORE COMPANY SECURITY DEPARTMENTS ARE BEING CREATED TO IDENTIFY AND REMOVE EMPLOYEE THIEVES FROM THE COMPANY RATHER THAN PROSECUTE THEM. THE SECURITY DEPARTMENTS RELIEVE POLICE WHO ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO DEAL WITH THIS RESPONSIBILITY. INDICATIONS OF INTERNAL THEFT ALMOST ALWAYS COME ABOUT AS A RESULT OF EITHER INVENTORY SHORTAGES, EVIDENCE OR OTHER SYMPTOMS DISCOVERED DURING FACILITY INSPECTIONS, OR INFORMATION RECEIVED CONCERNING EMPLOYEE THEFT. MANAGEMENT SHOULD LEAVE THE METHODS AND TECHNIQUES OF INVESTIGATION TO SECURITY PROFESSIONALS. SOME OF THE MOST COMMONLY USED METHODS INVOLVE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE COVER AGENTS AND VARIOUS TAILING AND STATIONARY SURVEILLANCE TECHNIQUES. SUPPLEMENTARY METHODS INCLUDE BACKGROUND CHECKS AND INTERVIEWS WITH WITNESSES. TOP MANAGEMENT MUST DECIDE HOW TO TREAT AND WHETHER TO PROSECUTE THE THIEVES. ATTENTION MUST BE GIVEN TO THE USE OF INTERROGATIONS WITH SUSPECTS, CONFESSIONS, EVIDENCE RECOVERIES, AND POLYGRAPH TESTS. SECURITY THEN SHOULD TAKE STEPS TO RECOVER THE STOLEN PROPERTY AND TO INSTITUTE NEW PROCEDURES AND CONTROLS WHICH WILL ACT AS FUTURE DETERRENTS. SECURITY INSPECTIONS REPORT FORMS ARE APPENDED. CHARTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, FOOTNOTES, A BIBLIOGRAPHY, AND AN INDEX ARE INCLUDED.