For years we have been developing a partnership with the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), and this recent sequence of events has proven why that relationship is so important to the retail community. On March 31, during the ICSC annual conference in New Orleans, we will host a joint workshop to discuss the “active shooter” scenario with retailers, property owners and law enforcement experts.

It’s also been a very busy year so far on the ORC front. The Kansas City Police Department, FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced the arrest of seven individuals in a $1.3 million case. In Polk County, Fla., law enforcement officials announced arrests of a sophisticated organization accused of selling stolen goods valued at $60 million to $100 million over the past five years.

In January, a pawnshop operator in Charleston, W.V., pled guilty to money laundering in federal court. He earned an estimated $350,000 over a two-year period.

On February 13, the Colorado State Judiciary Committee held a hearing to discuss eFencing. The state retail association has drafted strong language to address the growing problem of selling stolen over-the-counter drugs, health and beauty products and infant formula via the Internet. If passed, H.B. 11-54 will be the strongest eFencing language in the country and will hopefully become a model for other states. I applaud companies like Target, Safeway and Walgreens for testifying in favor of the bill.

Another challenge facing LP professionals is weak retail sales and the reorganization efforts of some companies. I’ve spoken with a number of recruiters and leaders, and everyone has one common piece of advice: Don’t panic. You have worked hard to develop your talents and apply them in a way that serves your company, and you should document the successes you’ve had throughout your career.

It’s also O.K. to reach out for assistance. Most LP recruiters, like Downing & Downing or Kalyan & Associates, do not charge the candidate and can be a great resource for answering questions about a particular company.

Remember the network of loss prevention, law enforcement and other contacts you’ve been developing over the years? Do not overlook the great people throughout our industry; now may be the time to put those contacts to use.

LERPnet update
This year we have already seen leading retailers like Trans World Entertainment, Giant Eagle Stores, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Kroger and Barnes & Noble join the system. In addition, we have been actively working with Wazagua to become the second official case management system connected to the database, joining LP Software. Stay tuned for the announcement of new features and enhancements coming this year.

Last call for nominees
Nominations for the Law Enforcement Retail Partnership Award, LP Case of the Year and Ring of Excellence are due now. These programs recognize you, our partners in law enforcement and former leaders throughout the industry. Also: if you or your LP departments have done any volunteer work, please submit your photos to be included in the LP Volunteers In Action presentation. Visit www.LPInformation.com for all of the important details.

Investigator’s Network
On a final note, I would like to thank Bill Titus, vice president of loss prevention for Sears Holding, Keith White, senior vice president of loss prevention for Gap, and all of the regional leaders for the amazing work being done with the NRF Investigator’s Network. Meetings with fantastic content and guest speakers are being scheduled across the country.