When Does a Shoplifter End Up in a Theft Database and Hireright

[SlayTheVampire]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Maryland

So here's the deal: Two years ago, when i was 20, I was caught shoplifting from Target. This is an incident that I expect no pity for, it was an incredibly foolish act on my part that I've owned up to, and that has never happened again since. Anyway, I was taken into a back room by undercover LPO's, signed some papers, had my picture taken, and told that I was not allowed inside a Target for a year.The total of the items I stole was originally $120, but the guy who processed it said he would knock the $20 off because I was so cooperative. Anyway, I was escorted off the premises, went home, and about two weeks later received a civil demand in the mail.

Now my question: I work in retail (I already had this job at the time of the shoplifting incident), and have had other retail jobs since (I worked at Victoria's Secret at one point, but hated it and quit). I am currently applying for a job at Godiva Chocolatiers, and in the new-hire's packet I was given, there is a form to sign authorizing the company to do a background check via a company called HireRight, and this check includes a criminal check, employment verification, and theft database. I don't have a criminal background and am sure my employment verification will check out, but...prior to applying for this job, I'd never even known theft databases existed, and so now I am wondering what it takes to find yourself in one and how to know what companies use it? No police were called during the Target incident, and as far as I know no charges were filed. Like I stated earlier, I have landed other retail jobs since the incident...but maybe not all retail companies use this database? (I'm guessing Victoria's Secret doesn't, since I got that job) Is it even worth my time (and Godiva's) going through with this HireRight background check? Any answers would be helpful.

Thanks

[jk]

I doubt you are in any database other than maybe something Target might maintain themselves. Generally unless a person is convicted of a crime, listing them as a thief can be a problem.

Apparently you can obtain a copy of your background report from HireRight if you care to check it out yourself:

http://www.hireright.com/Consumers-A...px#RequestForm

[flyingron]

While the companies that participate in NRTD is not advertised, I have indications that Target does.
NRTD does participate in the FCRA laws. You can check them here: http://www.theftdatabase.com/
HireRight is an independent operation but they list access to NRTD as one of their sources.

[jk]

I cannot find it at the moment but I am fairly sure I have read NMRA does not report non-prosecuted or prosecutions not resulting in a conviction shoplifting reports. It is a dicey action to report such as it really hedges on defamation without the conviction.

whoops, I found the answer I feared: they report convictions but they also will report when there is a signed confession.


So, sounds like OP could have a file there if those papers OP signed included a confession.

[PandorasBox]

Well, atleast I know I can apply at Victoria's Secret

[jk]

Well, atleast I know I can apply at Victoria's Secret

I try to stay far away from there. I just cannot see paying $20 for a pair of panties for my wife when I can get some from Walmart that are made using 12 times the material for $1.98. Little material= little price, right?

[Beth3]

jk, I'm sure your wife will appreciate your saying that her "regular" underwear is 12 times bigger than something she might pick up at Victoria's Secret.

[jk]

jk, I'm sure your wife will appreciate your saying that her "regular" underwear is 12 times bigger than something she might pick up at Victoria's Secret.

well, 12 times a postage stamp still isn't granny panties.

[SlayTheVampire]

Apparently you can obtain a copy of your background report from HireRight if you care to check it out yourself:

http://www.hireright.com/Consumers-A...px#RequestForm

Thanks, I ordered a copy. They said it takes about 15 days, so we shall see.

HireRight is an independent operation but they list access to NRTD as one of their sources.

Oh, OK, so HireRight itself is not a theft database?

So, sounds like OP could have a file there if those papers OP signed included a confession.

Yeah, if I remember correctly I signed an agreement not to step foot on the premises of any Target for a year and to pay the restitution, which I guess is a confession. So I guess I should just take my chances with Godiva and submit to the background check. Like I said, I worked at VS and even had a seasonal position at Nine West after this incident (which was the first and LAST time) with no issues.