By Charles A. Sennewald, CPP, and John Christman, CPP; Reviewed by John E. O'Rourke, CPP
Teaser:
Retail Crime, Security, and Loss Prevention is poised to become the authoritative security reference for the retail industry.
***** Retail Crime, Security, and Loss Prevention: An Encyclopedic Reference. By Charles A. Sennewald, CPP, and John H. Christman, CPP; published by Elsevier/Butterworth-Heinemann; available from ASIS, item #1748, 703/519-6200 (phone), www.asisonline.org (Web); 704 pages; $74 (ASIS members), $82 (nonmembers).
Retail businesses run the gamut from local mom-and-pop stores to large chains like Lowe’s and Macy’s. Despite the breadth of the sector, Charles A. Sennewald and John H. Christman, along with a host of contributors, have created a work that is almost certain to become the industry’s authoritative security reference.
A 673-page tome, the book is not meant to be read cover to cover; rather, it is intended to be used as a reference guide as its title suggests.
The text leaves no stone unturned. Among the topics covered are theft, surveillance cameras, guards, investigations, courtroom testimony, cybercrime, product tampering, case management, and emergency planning and fire protection. There are also sections on employee screening and other human resource issues, such as supervision and evaluation. The authors use a lot of security terminology, but a glossary aids the reader.
The level of the information provided reflects the considerable combined experience of the contributing authors. Sennewald, founder of the International Association of Professional Security Consultants, has almost 60 years’ experience in law enforcement and private security. Christman, the former vice president and director of security for Macy’s West, has 40-plus years in the security industry.
This book is well-conceived, comprehensive, and easy to use. There are a few typos in the text that can at times be distracting. Nonetheless, whether you are a career security professional or an independent store owner, this book will prove a valuable tool in fostering sound business practices, reducing loss, and increasing revenue.
Reviewer: John E. O’Rourke, CPP, is a 24-year veteran of the New Jersey State Police. He holds a Master of Arts degree from Seton Hall University and has authored articles on management and leadership. He is a member of the ASIS Crime and Loss Prevention Council.
Author:
Charles A. Sennewald, CPP, and John Christman, CPP; Reviewed by John E. O'Rourke, CPP
Powered by: Phase2 Technology
Comments
Editor Please Note - Special Recognition
Just a short note of special recognition to Cuck Sennewald and John Christman for their work in compiling this publication. What is so significant here is that they captured the expertise of so many of our industry professionals into one work piece. Most of the contributing authors are also frequent contributors to ASIS through professional volunteer work such as seminar presentation, council/chapter participation, and other educational activities that enhance our profession. Having over 60 of the best of our industry supply knowledge and experience into Retail Crime, Security and Loss Prevention deserves a SECURITY THANKS!
Richard Frank, CPP