NCJ Number
84979
Journal
Security Management Volume: 26 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1982) Pages: 24-26,29
Date Published
1982
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The National Coalition to Prevent Shoplifting (NCPS), based in Atlanta, Ga., aims to reduce shoplifting through education, legislation and publicity. It receives funding from the Department of Justice through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
Abstract
NCPS gathers data on factors involved in shoplifting by surveying students and retailers in the communities participating in the coalition. Statistics compiled from the surveys are used to plan local projects and after being analyzed by computer, are published in a national report on shoplifting. NCPS also publishes a newsletter, resource guide, and resource lists. NCPS started a pilot project for first offender juvenile shoplifters in Atlanta to address the question of prosecution. The project requires juveniles and their parents to attend 6 weeks of counseling sessions, with one 2-hour session each week. About 20 communities around the country have started similar programs, based on the NCPS model. NCPS also worked on developing a model code for State legislation to specifically address the crime of shoplifting. As background information, the model code includes case law, a State-by-State breakdown of current shoplifting laws, and NCPS's research reports. Mandatory fines and sentences are recommended in a model law. The model code was published in 1981. NCPS is currently working on developing a shoplifting curriculum for use in elementary grades.