One of the most satisfying aspects of publishing a magazine is when readers offer their comments about articles. It's important to us because we want to engage with our readers and stimulate a dialogue within the industry.

While we don't have a formal letters-to-the-editor column in the print magazine, we do have mechanisms for you to respond to articles and columns on our website (LPportal.com) as well as forums on Facebook (LP Voices), Twitter (@LPmag), and LinkedIn (LP Central). Following are a few excerpts from readers' comments to some recent articles. Note that I am not including the person's name here even though the writers identify themselves online.

To Stop Or Not to Stop: Is This Still a Question?

The cover story in the March-April issue actually began as a LinkedIn discussion before Johnny Custer turned it into an article.

"There are numerous studies that indicate the threat of punishment does not deter the vast majority of criminals. As such, it seems nonsensical to center a corporate loss prevention strategy on physical apprehensions."

"Making apprehensions not only protects profits and merchandise, but it also sends a very important message the shoppers and employees."

Dennis Klein, VP of LP at Abercrombie & Fitch, emailed us saying, "I think it raises a very good question on the necessity of making apprehensions and, more importantly, surfaces the quantifiable issue of the effect of shoplifting on shrink. I hope someone picks up the gauntlet and attempts to put some numbers to it."

Dennis also asked us to correct an error in the article where we mentioned a shooting at a Hollister store in Woodbridge, NJ. For the record, the shoplifting suspect was seen in the Hollister store, but the shooting took place in the mall near the Sears store. Sorry for the error.

Cussing in the Workplace: WTF?

Amber Virgillo likes to stir the pot. Her recent e-newsletter article about the use of profanity stimulated a lot of discourse.

"Cussing is never a win/win situation. If you cuss at your staff or a customer you have lost not only the respect of both, but show you have no respect for your position."

"I am relieved to know one of my 'old school' habits is not viewed by all as completely inexcusable. I rarely curse at home or around friends, but sometimes find it natural and useful to do so in certain work situations."

Amber's article in this issue, "How NOT to Investigate ORC" on page 41 will likely stimulate more dialogue.

Think Before You Profile Customers

Rick Pfeifer, a regional LP leader for Justice Stores, offered his experience in a My Turn column on our website. Not everyone agreed with his viewpoint that profiling is wrong.

"I do not agree with your characterizing all profiling being bad. To some degree, profiling in retail security is very acceptable and an effective method for detecting possible shoplifters."

"Profiling is a good way to stop thefts....I will always do it and never think twice about it!"

What Do You Think?

Unlike the current state of political discourse in this country, dialogue and debate are healthy ways to move the loss prevention industry forward. We don't have to agree on everything, but, hopefully, we will respect each other's opinions and, just maybe, learn something along the way. We encourage you to take the time to voice your opinion on one of our online channels or by emailing us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it