Building strong relationships with law enforcement has always been crucial to a successful loss prevention program. These partnerships allow us to connect and build rapport while establishing mutual trust that enhances collaboration, improves efficiency, and drives performance. However, it can be just as important that those relationships extend beyond the LP department and involve establishing rapport with our store management teams.
Historically, the relationship between retail stores and local law enforcement has been a part of both community safety and retail performance, reinforcing the critical elements of security and well-being. However, the relationship can be important in other ways as well. In many instances, the store management team will be the point of initial contact in the event of a conflict or crime. They may be relied upon to serve as a witness, provide crucial information, or otherwise cooperate with an ongoing investigation. Trust and respect are essential, along with a general understanding of how we can work together to keep our communities safe and our businesses successful. This is why community outreach is so important and why retailers across the country are joining in efforts to find creative ways to have their retail management teams collaborate with local police.
Outreach and Innovation
Across the country, retailers are hosting law enforcement appreciation events at their stores, making connections to discuss what can be done to better combat the different issues facing the stores and the community. And while each may have similar goals, several are looking at different and innovative ways to improve engagement and make the endeavor most productive. Such is the case with the current Dollar Tree and Family Dollar Stores program.
“Before we started the program in the Florida market, the relationship between the store managers and local police just wasn’t where we felt it needed to be,” says Randy Hammac, market investigator for the Tampa/Saint Petersburg area. “It was cooperative, but nowhere near what it is today. With our program, we wanted to show our appreciation for what these officers mean to the community. We also looked for ways to bridge the gap between the stores and law enforcement, gaining a little perspective and finding ways to make the relationship most productive.”
Hammac is credited with leading an initiative that has become a company-wide platform. As part of their “Coffee with a Cop” program, when officers visit the store, they discuss current issues and events but go the extra mile to discuss how to write an effective police report with the management teams, to include what information is needed to write a good report, how to document the event and describe suspects, and additional information that improves the interaction and helps with the investigation.
Local police departments will regularly hold “Front Porch Role Calls” in the stores’ parking lots, providing meet-and‑greet opportunities while increasing awareness of ongoing community concerns. They will discuss ORC suspects to reinforce “Observe and Report,” what the stores should look for, and how they can best detect and respond when incidents take place.
Family Dollar has also held community events with local departments, offering fingerprint card programs and donating back-to-school supplies for local students. They have held ceremonies with officers to recognize outstanding community service. All of this is intended to build rapport and support “next-level” partnerships.
“These programs are opening a lot of doors,” says Hammac. “We’re making real progress and seeing a level of cooperation and support like we’ve never seen before. We appreciate the hard work and the risks these brave men and women face every day. We understand many police departments are over-extended and understaffed. But by working together and finding ways to close the gaps, we can make a difference.”
Every great idea provides a platform on which we can continue to build. What steps can you take to support next‑level partnerships for your stores?
LPM is recognizing the unsung heroes of the loss prevention and asset protection industry. In an ongoing column, we will highlight those among us who are going above and beyond to help their community and world around them to be a better place. Whether it be an individual or a team, donating time, money, or bringing joy to others—we want to say, “thank you” and let our readers get to know you better. To nominate an individual or an entire LP team, fill out the form at LossPreventionMedia.com/something-good.