Readers Speak Out
WHEN A CIRCUIT CITY PHOTO LAB CLERK DETECTED SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY ON A CUSTOMER’S VIDEO, DID HE VIOLATE THAT CUSTOMER’S RIGHT TO PRIVACY OR WAS HE JUSTIFIED BY HIS ATTEMPT TO THWART VIOLENCE?
Based on responses collected 5/14 through 5/24
“Entirely justified in these times…”—Anonymous
“Every American citizen should be aware and report any suspicious or erratic behavior and/or event.”—Anonymous
“If the consumer gave him access to the video I think he opens himself to scrutiny. It’s the same if you have child pornographic photos and you take them to a retailer to develop.”—Anonymous
“Our alphabet agencies charged with protecting the country rely upon reports from sources, like the Circuit City employee, who report suspicious activity. Such reports are no different than reporting a bank hold-up.”—Anonymous
“Interesting that the clerk can locate a possible terrorist, but often cannot locate a product that is advertised in the company’s circular. Try concentrating on doing your job first, then play out your “Law & Order” fantasy later.”—Anonymous
“Even a psychiatrist can disregard patient/client privilege if he feels someone’s life is in danger. Discretion should definitely be used, but in today’s age of terrorism, school shootings, etc., any tragedy that can be prevented should be prevented.”—Anonymous
“We need to be careful about what we define as ‘suspicious.’ Some of my friends are architects and have been questioned about photographing famous buildings when they have been on vacation. My cousin is in the military. His wife was questioned about some photos about the base when she and their children sent him off to Afghanistan. There needs to be reason applied to the vigilance.”—Lynda Smith
Other reader comments in response to Retailing Today stories:
Regarding your story “True patriots say something,” putting the Patriot Act into the same cart with the “If you see something, say something” campaign conflates—and confuses—legitimately debatable legislation with common sense.
A DVD shrieking of jihad? A pallet full of nitrate fertilizer? Overt purchase of Pentagon blueprints on eBay? Gee … I doubt you’d have to get up early in the morning to recognize that those incidents could intimate some form of peril. A witness to any of these situations should have the presence of mind to raise concerns, then act on them. And, yes, retailers should make it a point to remind employees to be vigilant.
Patriotism? Instead of waving the flag—and writing more laws—try sense and sensibility.—Charles Hamilton