Business and Commerce; Criminal Law
KP-0419
Texas Attorney General Opinion
The shopkeeper’s privilege in section 124.001 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code authorizes a merchant to detain a person suspected of shoplifting to investigate ownership of the property. While that statute does not supply authority for a merchant to offer a theft deterrent course in lieu of referral to law enforcement for arrest and prosecution, we find no other Texas law that specifically prohibits such a practice.
Sourced from Texas Attorney General.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.