§ 11-63-2 - Detention of persons suspected of unlawful use and/or removal of theft detection devices – Reasonable cause. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 11-63-2

   § 11-63-2  Detention of persons suspectedof unlawful use and/or removal of theft detection devices – Reasonablecause. – (a) The activation of an anti-shoplifting or inventory control device as aresult of a person exiting the establishment or a protected area within theestablishment shall constitute reasonable cause for the detention of the personexiting by the owner or operator of the establishment or by an agent oremployee of the owner or operator, provided sufficient notice has been postedto advise the patrons that the device is being utilized. Each detention shallbe made only in a reasonable manner and only for a reasonable period of timesufficient for any inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the activation ofthe device or for the recovery of goods.

   (b) The taking into custody and detention by a lawenforcement officer, merchant, or merchant's employee, if done in compliancewith all the requirements of this section, shall not render law enforcementofficer, merchant, or merchant's employee criminally or civilly liable forfalse arrest, false imprisonment, or unlawful detention.