Interview Question for Loss Prevention Officer at Kohl's:

Nothing... you haven't seen anything and cannot prove anything in court if you do stop him. Lawsuit waiting to happen

Why not ask him if you can see his bag? You certainly can't detain him and he isn't obligated to show you anything, but is there anything to lose by asking? There's always the chance that he'll admit he's stealing.

I would notify security right away and attempt to question the individual by asking "Did you help with something sir?"

You cannot make a stop based upon the fact that you are missing several elements of the assumed theft. He could have easily ditched the merchandise while he was not in sight of the officer. Stopping a suspected SL based upon this scenario is absurd and may have potential legal ramifications.

Sadly, you have to let the individual leave the store you cant stop him with knowing(by actually seeing the event) he has stolen property. Also it wouldnt be considered stolen unless he left the store and got to a certain part of the parking lot which every store is different

Always remember to follow the six steps. Unless you observed him attempting to conceal items and head past the Point of Sale towards the exit, you have no legal cause for stopping him. Even asking him to empty his backpack is a sticky legal situation. He has his fourth amendment rights, even on private property. If at any time he feels he was detained (IE You standing between him and the exit, or he is surrounded by employees) it could attempt to press charges of Unlawful Detainment. Detainment is often associated with force, such as handcuffs or holds, but it is as simple as inhibiting some ones ability to exit.