@sandyf wrote:

SquireParty, I too applaud you for taking these steps to make sure things are safe for future shoppers and anyone who has to come into contact with the particular security personnel you encountered.
In my experience many companies/government agencies have in recent years become very sensitive to those who perceive their status as a "guard" or "police person" as a ticket to abuse and lord it over the many innocent and/or guilty people they come into contact with indiscriminately. I have reported in the past issues where I felt endangered by some one who has stopped me and after reporting felt that all that happened was the old boy (or girl) network stepped in to cover for and protect their sister or brother. These days there have been so many lawsuits about this type of behavior I find the big brass you contact will at the very least listen to you. But still most people would just walk away and not try to fix things. We as mystery shoppers are fixers..that is why we are there in addition to earning money. You have taken this mission to the highest level. Thank you.

Sandyf, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. Both for "getting it" and for your kind words. Your post means a lot to me. Happy Shopping and many juicy bonuses to you in 2019! Squireparty

OP, I believe you and that were scared and left, had you had letter you would have had a different exit, however, the Security guard sounds like a major A___H____, and you did the right thing calling him out. They changed the instructions (thanks to you), so be proud of yourself. Being they paid you, no chance you'll be booted, but I do think this experience got the best of you. Comparing it to the Holocaust (my family survived) was a bit severe
.I suggest maybe to give MSing a small break, then return, I can tell your a good shopper, don't cut off your connections...there are other jobs. KSS sticking up for you says a lot. . I hope the Security guard didn't get physical. Whatever you decide, good luck!!

It seems that many here never heard of, or have forgotten, the number of legitimate visitors to college campuses that have been killed by campus police in recent years, We had a case about 3 years ago that caused the local jurisdiction to rewrite a law so that campus police would be held to account for indiscriminate use of firearms. And, I need hardly mention non-lethal instances of campus police using weapons instead of sense. The feds apparently do not even require reporting if the arms are used by other than actual local or state police. A couple of local police chiefs in the DMV metro area are pulling their hair out about similar events on campuses. THEY seem to think that such confrontations are dangerous.

@Irene_L.A. wrote:

OP, I believe you and that were scared and left, had you had letter you would have had a different exit, however, the Security guard sounds like a major A___H____, and you did the right thing calling him out. They changed the instructions (thanks to you), so be proud of yourself. Being they paid you, no chance you'll be booted, but I do think this experience got the best of you. Comparing it to the Holocaust (my family survived) was a bit severe
.I suggest maybe to give MSing a small break, then return, I can tell your a good shopper, don't cut off your connections...there are other jobs. KSS sticking up for you says a lot. . I hope the Security guard didn't get physical. Whatever you decide, good luck!!

Irene In LA....Thank You for your kind words and your understanding, too. And no snark here, ok? I really mean what I am about to post with no snark, just to make my meaning clear.....that bit about hiding Jews in WW2 at the risk of my life? This HAD ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO with this shop NOR AM I COMPARING this unpleasant experience in any way to the Holocaust. So why did I bring that up about hiding Jews in WW2 at the risk of my own life? Fair question and it seems to be causing a bit of a stir here amongst a few posters. So please let me clarify.

My point after all that? The rights of others mean that much to me - I would be willing to do something that drastic to protect human life and human rights without thinking twice. OBVIOUSLY THIS SHOP was not quite anywhere near THAT type of situation. I get that, everyone, I truly do. I brought this line up along the way in an effort to make it crystal clear how serious I was about this matter and to make it crystal clear how serious I take human rights and how important it is (or rather was as the shop has been restructured( to me to protect people I will never meet nor be thanked by from unlawful arrests serving to destroy their lives or illegal and unwarranted physical harm. The line about hiding Jews in WW2 at the risk of my own life - if you knew me, you'd know it was true. Obviously, those who I was in contact with to achieve resolution can not know if this is true either.....it was an attempt at getting them to grasp my mentality and how dead on serious I am/was and an effort to get them to grasp that kind and nice words are not going to make this go away and that they have a major problem on their hands, potentially escalating to the media based on how they handled things. Luckily resolution was achieved with no media coverage necessary, and I will say here and now I'm grateful for that.

I did have an assembled outfit of my best thrift shop finds put together should media escalation have proved necessary.....now I hope to wear this outfit for a much more pleasant event. Squireparty

PS Came back to add - I'm glad your family survived. Mine did too - they were political undesirables also at great risk. Going into hiding with fake papers is what spared them - that and some wonderfully humanitarian Austrian nationals that played the part on the surface but who saved as many lives as they could regardless. Pray let such an event never happen again!!! I will say one thing here, however. Though once again I understand that this incident in no way competes with the unfathomable horrors of the Holocaust - when I run across someone like this Campus Security Manager I have a sinking feeling that at some future date similar could happen again. And not somewhere like Myanmar but in the developed world. Scary.....but once again, no, this incident has nothing on the Holocaust. Granted and given many times over here and now.

And Happy Shopping to you in 2019! Squireparty

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/13/2019 10:18PM by squireparty.

I’m not trying to lesson your experience because clearly, this freaked you out. That being said, even if a campus officer detained someone, that would not affect housing/employment? In order for something to affect that, you would need o be convicted of a crime that then shows up on a background check.

This reaction all seems a little over the top.

@Megs7521 wrote:

I’m not trying to lesson your experience because clearly, this freaked you out. That being said, even if a campus officer detained someone, that would not affect housing/employment? In order for something to affect that, you would need o be convicted of a crime that then shows up on a background check.

This reaction all seems a little over the top.[/Iquote

]I understand that officers with the power to arrest are on campus, though I don't believe this Security Manager had the direct power to do so - it would, however, not be hard for him to call his colleague with such powers. Barring that, should I have been detained, this shop is in a Central Phoenix location and police would likely arrive quickly - not instantly, but depending on variables, fairly fast. I'd imagine a call coming from a University might be higher up on the priority list than other calls, though I'm not sure? Perhaps the dissenters on this thread could shine some light on this one?

As to being arrested, in Arizona the arrest record stays with your for life (or until the age of 99 when it supposedly automatically disappears) - there is no expungement or sealing, There is a process called a set aside relieving you of guilt but that does nothing for you as the arrest record and original conviction still remain to be seen by the world at large. The ability for employers or landlords or licensing boards to see an arrest record until your 99th birthday is where employment and housing discrimination come into play, just to make this clear.

This is why the concern for an unlawful arrest ruining a life for no legal reason. This sort of thing happens all across America ever day, 365 days a year. At least it didn't happen here and I've prevented it from happening to an innocent stranger. Not seeking applause or a pat on the back - just human rights and to squelch the powers of someone who would ruin a life for no legal reason (perhaps to get kicks on their power? I don't know as I don't understand this mentality one iota....perhaps the dissenters could shine light on this one, also? I admit here and now that I don't get this.) Squireparty

Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2019 12:19AM by squireparty.

I agree with you Squire Party that we are not many steps away from bedlam instead of order and respect for all people. Things can fall apart very quickly if the wrong people are in power and for what ever reason the opposition to the power is not strong enough or listened to in time.

@sandyf wrote:

I agree with you Squire Party that we are not many steps away from bedlam instead of order and respect for all people. Things can fall apart very quickly if the wrong people are in power and for what ever reason the opposition to the power is not strong enough or listened to in time.

Sandyf....Truer words are rarely spoken. I could not agree more with what you have posted. Squireparty

I'm.......confused. So this was a reveal shop, but you did not bring the LOA with you. So when you went to campus security to let them know why you were there the security guard got belligerent?

If I've got this straight......I have questions.

Why not just say "thanks for your time, I'll return when I have the letter" and leave?

How secure is this University anyway???? I've lived in 3 towns that housed 4 universities between them and have never had any issues going on any of the 4 campuses.

If the campus security guard DID detain you, you stated he had no authority to arrest you. Do you really think when you explained the situation to someone who did have that authority that they wouldn't call out the rent a cop for his stupidity?

It seems you met an @#$%& and let him get to your head. I would have just said ok fine and left. Not sure what all the drama is about. But maybe I'm missing something?

I did an inspection at a police station one time. I brought my letter saying I was there representing company so and so. I had more than one officer following me around the whole time, they even looked at the pictures on my camera before I left because of the sensitive nature of the areas I was photographing. If I did not have that letter I would not have been allowed to enter the building. I was not allowed to even walk around by myself. That was the job I signed up for though. If parents send their students to a college where the campus is protected by security, then you should have had your letter. My grandson's elementary school is locked, I cannot get into it without one of his parents calling ahead of time, and I have to press a buzzer and then show someone my identification. I do not agree with a over the top security guard, but I agree with school safety no matter what age a student is.

@bgriffin wrote:

I'm.......confused. So this was a reveal shop, but you did not bring the LOA with you. So when you went to campus security to let them know why you were there the security guard got belligerent?

If I've got this straight......I have questions.

Why not just say "thanks for your time, I'll return when I have the letter" and leave?

How secure is this University anyway???? I've lived in 3 towns that housed 4 universities between them and have never had any issues going on any of the 4 campuses.

If the campus security guard DID detain you, you stated he had no authority to arrest you. Do you really think when you explained the situation to someone who did have that authority that they wouldn't call out the rent a cop for his stupidity?

It seems you met an @#$%& and let him get to your head. I would have just said ok fine and left. Not sure what all the drama is about. But maybe I'm missing something?

Hi B Griffin. This was not a reveal shop. And to be honest where I am at fault here is that I did not have the letter with me.

Which brings up a new facet I have yet to post. This Security Manager wanted me to speak to someone to have shoppers cease arriving on campus. It was as if this person was running the shopper program! But even that I can live with. It was this person getting too close to me in a threatening, menacing manner with a completely over the top demeanor. It was scary and I have no problem as a male admitting that. If this Security Manager really wants shoppers to not visit this campus that bad, this Security Manager could have made calls similar to mine or spoken to the right people in person. But there was no reveal component here other than the need to blow your anonymity via checking in with security. My concern once again....my physical safety and that of the next person. Also with this overzealous attitude, unlawful arrest.....of myself which did not happen, or of the next person. At least this shop has been restructured in such a way that going forward, shoppers will be immune to this individual, hopefully unless they do something genuinely warranting an intervention by Campus Security. I managed to emerge unscathed here.....let me state that now. The next person? May not have had the same luck as I.

Within the parameters of my moral and ethical compass, I am compelled to do something to prevent issues for the next shopper.....such as getting the ball in motion to have the Security component worked around. I'm going on and on and I know you to be a great member here....have I made this all more clear for you? I believe too that some of this boils down to one's fear level when confronted by a wanna be dictator type misusing/abusing the small amount of power they have.....a small amount of power that is enough to destroy your life via unlawful arrrest.

I'm not down with this misuse of power, either towards myself or the next person, unless I have done (or the next person has done) some kind of offense justifying the power being turned on full blast. $13 and a reimbursed meal isn't enough for this Security Manager to be so menacing that I blank my pants, KWIM? Squireparty

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2019 01:30AM by squireparty.

@breestjon wrote:

I did an inspection at a police station one time. I brought my letter saying I was there representing company so and so. I had more than one officer following me around the whole time, they even looked at the pictures on my camera before I left because of the sensitive nature of the areas I was photographing. If I did not have that letter I would not have been allowed to enter the building. I was not allowed to even walk around by myself. That was the job I signed up for though. If parents send their students to a college where the campus is protected by security, then you should have had your letter. My grandson's elementary school is locked, I cannot get into it without one of his parents calling ahead of time, and I have to press a buzzer and then show someone my identification. I do not agree with a over the top security guard, but I agree with school safety no matter what age a student is.

I agree with school safety too, and I understand the need for such. My take is more and more that this particular location should never have been shopped PERIOD without the changes just made to the structure of the shop. I will leave it to Lori or one of the other persons involved to describe such changes if they like....I don't know that such is appropriate for me to post as a shopper. Point being, the way this shop was set up, and due to the overzealousness of the Campus Security Manager, this situation has been waiting to happen. I'm glad there's been resolution that actually works for all parties including the MSC owner. Squireparty

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2019 01:48AM by squireparty.

@squireparty wrote:

Within the parameters of my moral and ethical compass, I am compelled to do something to prevent issues for the next shopper.....such as getting the ball in motion to have the Security component worked around. I'm going on and on and I know you to be a great member here....have I made this all more clear for you? I believe too that some of this boils down to one's fear level when confronted by a wanna be dictator type misusing/abusing the small amount of power they have.....a small amount of power that is enough to destroy your life via unlawful arrrest. Squireparty

I just want to clarify, once again, that had you appeared with the letter that we provided you, this would not have happened. I think it's kind of you to worry about other shoppers, but looking at the shop history more than 50 shoppers have shopped this particular location with no issues because they had the letter with them (that we provide). I am still genuinely sorry that you had issues (as is the MSP) but this is not common. It is an anomaly because you failed to follow the guidelines. I get why you are upset, but this is a private Christian college with set standards about whom they let on campus, so I understand why they were being strict also (although I can agree that the rent a cop was a little over zealous, however, it sounds like no physical harm was done.).

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2019 01:53AM by Lorri Kern KSS.

@Lorri Kern KSS wrote:

@squireparty wrote:

Within the parameters of my moral and ethical compass, I am compelled to do something to prevent issues for the next shopper.....such as getting the ball in motion to have the Security component worked around. I'm going on and on and I know you to be a great member here....have I made this all more clear for you? I believe too that some of this boils down to one's fear level when confronted by a wanna be dictator type misusing/abusing the small amount of power they have.....a small amount of power that is enough to destroy your life via unlawful arrrest. Squireparty

I just want to clarify, once again, that had you appeared with the letter that we provided you, this would not have happened. I think it's kind of you to worry about other shoppers, but looking at the shop history more than 50 shoppers have shopped this particular location with no issues because they had the letter with them (that we provide). I am still genuinely sorry that you had issues (as is the MSP) but this is not common. It is an anomaly because you failed to follow the guidelines. I get why you are upset, but this is a private Christian college with set standards about whom they let on campus, so I understand why they were being strict also (although I can agree that the rent a cop was a little over zealous, however, it sounds like no physical harm was done.).

Fair enough Lori and I do understand that I should have had that letter. Granted and given. My main intent was to achieve resolution so as to prevent such from happening again. This has been done via the restructuring of the shop. I posted here not to retaliate but to only let shoppers know that funky situations like this do take place. And yes I should have had that letter. In my mind what took place was way way way excessive but I also believe by this point here I've made my points(s). If you wish me to stop posting at this point, out of respect to all who worked to resolve this, I will be glad to. And yes....next time either make arrangements for such a letter should such be required on a different shop or don't take the shop at all. Some blame lies at my doorstep and I don't deny this. Obviously I'm sure you gather by now that my take at least is that this all went too far on the part of the Campus Security Manager. I could say this individual could have handled things much better but, yes, it could be argued that I should have had the letter to begin with. No denial here on my part. Why don't I stop posting at this point? I've achieved resolution via the restructuring of the shop, and the MSC owner still keeps this shop at the same time. I don't know how much better an outcome there could be here. I've done my bit as a good forum member to anonymously post of this incident and at this point I'm probably best off exiting this thread, no? Thank You again Lori, and thanks to the KSS scheduler involved who was great about everything. With that I say Adios.

Happy Shopping to all in 2019. Squireparty

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2019 02:17AM by squireparty.

@squireparty wrote:

Fair enough Lori and I do understand that I should have had that letter. Granted and given. My main intent was to achieve resolution so as to prevent such from happening again.

Why would it happen again? The last 50 shoppers brought it, and the next 50 will too.

@SoCalMama wrote:

@squireparty wrote:

Fair enough Lori and I do understand that I should have had that letter. Granted and given. My main intent was to achieve resolution so as to prevent such from happening again.

Why would it happen again? The last 50 shoppers brought it, and the next 50 will too.

The shop has been restructured in such a way that no letter will be necessary going forward. I will leave it to Lori's discretion to reveal specific changes to the shop - if she so desires and deems such appropriate. I don't know that such is my call. And with that it's time for me to follow through with exiting this thread. Happy shopping to you in 2019. Squireparty

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2019 03:27AM by squireparty.

The letter will still be required as per University protocol. The schedulers (Pete and I) will have to be more diligent in making sure that shoppers are aware of it. We will have to do more work for the same pay, but we will gladly do it to make sure no one else has your experience. Clearly, written guidelines weren't enough to avoid this situation, so we will continue trying to figure out ways to be more vigilant in making shoppers aware that this location has security requirements that MUST be followed (hence the higher pay for this location).

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2019 03:43AM by Lorri Kern KSS.

You obviously had an emotional experience. A few things don't make sense to me though:

#1 You have stated over and over that removing the visit to the security office is a victory for future shoppers. One less step does seem to make the shop easier and eliminates the chance of running into the over-zealous security guard. Hopefully, the shopper's personal safety is still being protected as presumably, the visit to security was to alert them to your presence on campus and alleviate any "run-ins" with campus security team members. I would personally rather have an "issue" with security in their office that I came into freely, then while on campus where explaining myself to a guard would be much more suspicious. Of course, had you arrived with your LOA, none of this would have ever happened or been necessary.

#2 You have said that you narrowly escaped false arrest. Arrest for what? Checking in with campus security is not a crime that I am aware of anywhere. If you were threatened with arrest, what were you being arrested for potentially? Did things somehow escalate? Why not simply leave gracefully as BGriffin suggested.

#3 The security officer wanted the mystery shopping program to end? Simply refer him/her to the dean or president of the MSC and leave it at that.

The shop guidelines, and especially the LOAs, are critical to the successful completion of the shop. I have lost count of the many angry managers of gas stations who either refused the visit, or followed me around during the visit, or wanted the mystery shoppers to stop coming, or even threatened me verbally or physically...its just part of the gig. Had I forgotten my LOA, every one of these visits would have gone sideways and ended differently.

There may be more to this story, especially how things escalated to false-arrest and feeling your personal safety was in jeopardy. I've walked into many security offices in my life. Me: Hi, I'm here to conduct an audit of xxx in the food court. Them: Can I see your ID and paperwork. Me: Here's my ID and I forgot to print off my LOA, can I show it to you on my phone? If not, I can go print a copy and return at a later date.

I don't see how the above civil exchange escalates to false-arrest, physical harm or other threatening behavior...

@Lorri Kern KSS wrote:

The letter will still be required as per University protocol. The schedulers (Pete and I) will have to be more diligent in making sure that shoppers are aware of it. We will have to do more work for the same pay, but we will gladly do it to make sure no one else has your experience. Clearly, written guidelines weren't enough to avoid this situation, so we will continue trying to figure out ways to be more vigilant in making shoppers aware that this location has security requirements that MUST be followed (hence the higher pay for this location).

Thank You, Lori.....Obviously I am not up to snuff with the settled changes - I had heard from one of the parties involved along the way that the shop would be done internally in the future by either campus employees or students - hence my post that no letter would be necessary going forward. I didn't mean to mislead as to the final shop changes and I didn't believe it was my call to post what little had been passed on to me, which obviously is no longer correct, anyway. I will say one positive thing here - the Office of Public Safety on Campus, KSS (yourself and Pete, who I mention only because you brought his name up first) and the MSC owner have all been responsive, and fair to deal with as this unfolded, and I'd like to publicly say Thanks to all parties listed. Kudos! Squireparty

Came back to add a postive takeaway for myself here - always read and reread the guidelines.......a couple of years ago I did a series of mystery shops at a coffee outlet located upstairs in the Student Union at this University. At that time there was no check in with security required, or if there was, it was not mentioned on the guidelines - let me state here and now this was for another MSC and not scheduled through KSS and these shops were not for the involved MSC. Obviously there's been changes the past couple of years. I will say I have checked in with security for this shop before and they were at that time satisfied with just showing on my smartphone that the shop had been assigned to me. I'm not sure when I did this shop for KSS last but if interested, I'm sure this date could be found in my shopper history. Once again, obviously things have changed.

My suggestion to Campus Security? It's perfectly acceptable and yes, legal, to deny me access to campus given that I didn't have a printout of the letter. I get that and I don't have a problem with that, please everyone reading understand this much. Where I do have problems? Don't get in my face loud and threatening like, don't get so close to my physical space, and don't get so nasty as if I were some horrible criminal on the run from the law. Seriously, all that was necessary here would have been a calm, maybe even slightly assertive statement such as Sir, there is a letter that you need to show me before I can allow you to enter campus. Without this letter I need to ask you to leave - or some variant thereof. Campus Security really needs to tone it down. Now, to be fair, I can see had they taken this softer approach and I didn't respond by civilly leaving - yes, then it's acceptable to escalate. I get this. I did not give them attitude, I was much too fearful to do so. Simply toning down the approach the first time around would have prevented all of this from happening as I would have complied and likely visited a printing shop and quickly printed the letter in question.

So here is what I propose - two takeaways here -

A). I should have had the letter, yes, I admit that.

. Given that I gave Campus Security no attitude, the first approach should have been very much more low key. Something that I don't believe the institution involved understands - from now on I will be a negative brand ambassador for this University for life. Does that mean I will round up activists and picket and protest day in and day out and hatch plots against this University? No, I'm not that petty and I do have a life. But in any future conversations I happen upon as a Phoenix resident involving this University, I am going to mention to be very very very afraid and wary of Security (of course not mentioning KSS or the MSC involved). I will do what I civilly can to steer people elsewhere - at least as far as relating my experience without mentioning KSS or the MSC. This of course won't change anything, but what does this institution gain from this? I should have had that letter, this is clear and I don't deny this.....for their part, they should not have started with a SWAT Team mentality.

c). Closing good news though, for some levity.......One.- You needn't ever worry about me applying for this shop again, and Two - I seriously doubt you'd schedule me for this shop going forward were I ever foolish enough - and I won't be - to apply for it. At least we can all agree on this much, no?

Squireparty

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2019 04:21AM by squireparty.

I read the entire thread and my take is that, while the initial experience was unnecessary, you are now taking this way too far. Did the guard overstep? Apparently so. However, as Lorri has stated, this assignment has been done multiple other times with no one else having the same issue because those other folks followed the directions and did the assignment correctly. Guidelines are there for a reason! However, you had a complaint, escalated it inappropriately and now will publicly trash the University's reputation (no you won't go out of your way to do so but will do so if given the opportunity). All because you didn't do your job. Based on the level of hyperbole in your writing (Holocaust comparison, really, because some idiot was having a bad day and invaded your personal space?) and the fact that you have stated that you are protecting others from a situation that more than likely will never occur unless those others don't do the job correctly, if I were you I would breathe, shake my head as to the idiocy of others, and move on. Your actions appear to be a solution in search of a problem.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2019 05:38AM by KarenMSW.

@KarenMSW wrote:

I read the entire thread and my take is that, while the initial experience was unnecessary, you are now taking this way too far. Did the guard overstep? Apparently so. However, as Lorri has stated, this assignment has been done multiple other times with no one else having the same issue because those other folks followed the directions and did the assignment correctly. Guidelines are there for a reason! However, you had a complaint, escalated it inappropriately and now will publicly trash the University's reputation (no you won't go out of your way to do so but will do so if given the opportunity). All because you didn't do your job. Based on the level of hyperbole in your writing (Holocaust comparison, really, because some idiot was having a bad day and invaded your personal space?) and the fact that you have stated that you are protecting others from a situation that more than likely will never occur unless those others don't do the job correctly, if I were you I would breathe, shake my head as to the idiocy of others, and move on. Your actions appear to be a solution in search of a problem.

Three cheers ^^^ My thoughts exactly

There is a private college that I used to work at last year--- anyway, someone was walking around campus looking for the foodcourt. When he got there, he robbed people in the food court, took students' laptops and money, and got away because there was no security. It sounds like your school shop had the right idea-- making sure the students were safe, but weren't really hiring people with any type of social skills, hence the Nazi reference (referring to people as Nazis is not super PC but that's besides the point).

I'd want to give up Secret Shopping after that as well!

@Jill_L wrote:

@KarenMSW wrote:

I read the entire thread and my take is that, while the initial experience was unnecessary, you are now taking this way too far. Did the guard overstep? Apparently so. However, as Lorri has stated, this assignment has been done multiple other times with no one else having the same issue because those other folks followed the directions and did the assignment correctly. Guidelines are there for a reason! However, you had a complaint, escalated it inappropriately and now will publicly trash the University's reputation (no you won't go out of your way to do so but will do so if given the opportunity). All because you didn't do your job. Based on the level of hyperbole in your writing (Holocaust comparison, really, because some idiot was having a bad day and invaded your personal space?) and the fact that you have stated that you are protecting others from a situation that more than likely will never occur unless those others don't do the job correctly, if I were you I would breathe, shake my head as to the idiocy of others, and move on. Your actions appear to be a solution in search of a problem.

Three cheers ^^^ My thoughts exactly

Thank God. I was beginning to think that I was the only person, besides KSSLorri, that "got it."

I'm looking at both sides and wouldn't the client have notified the campus Security that shoppers will be doing this job, and WITH a letter of introduction let you in, even without letter if you have to do a job, shouldn't campus know and schedule this through the MSC or client, having said to come back with letter. Many companies know shoppers come and know the dates, etc.

I know he should have had a letter and is over dramaticing, but he was shaken and didn't handle it well. My advice is let other shoppers do their job, and just worry about yourself. Did Security carry a gun, that would have made a difference in the fear factor. We weren't there, so I think the event got blown out of preportion, and really don't see how this would ever effect anyone's ability to receive housing or jobs.....last word, college's need to be over protective with what is going on in today's world, Security doesn't know you and was protective, I think what happened is rare. Many years ago while visiting my daughter (in another state), I couldn't get into her dorm, locked doors, the head of dorm came out, asked for my drivers license and got my daughter before I could get in.....that's all.

I do resent the over the top comparison to the Holocaust, not needed, we got your point.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2019 07:24PM by Irene_L.A..

Good day everyone. I have had the chance to walk away from this situation and I've come to a few realizations, if I may. First - there is one bit to this story I have yet to post so I'm going to do so right now. As long termers here may know, I live in Arizona. This is a state that has communities that have had a real problem with police brutality - high profile and well publicized cases where the police were further over the top than some of you think I am here and thankfully were caught on smartphone video for maximum lawsuit settlements. I myself, though to this date not a victim of police brutality, witnessed it once right in front of me, white on white however unlike the stereotype - in rural New Hampshire the Summer I was 8 years old in 1975. I am unable to trust any quote unquote authority figure that gets in my face and ramps up the rhetoric for no reason. This will never change nor heal as I long as I remain living in the United States and laws are not changed to flatten police power in such as way as to curb police brutality. I have also known victims of police brutality as I live in a struggling, primarily lower income and heavily Hispanic part of Phoenix. Life has taught me to fear the police - in this case, the Campus Security Manager who was behaving like a police brutality perpetrator (sp?). Agree with me or not, that's how it is, that's my life experience, that's my truth, and it's not going to change as long as I remain living in the United States. For those who don't get this, I used to be jealous of such people for seeing things your way - more in support of the police, I mean - no longer do I envy anyone who thinks this way. Life has taught me differently, for better or worse.

At any rate, there were a scattered few people here who "got it", understood where I was coming from and why I did what I did and I do Thank those scattered people. This much at least gives me some hope. But moving along, it's become abundantly clear to me that I really don't fit in here very much - and this is not new nor is this the first time this has been abundantly clear to me. Why don't I just pull the plug - have a moderator delete my account and wish you'all well with no snark, no drama, no nastiness? For the most part, I truly don't fit in here. Best to cut the cord and move on, no?

I do agree that I am partly to blame for this incident in the sense that it's true I did not have the letter with me. Granted and given yet again. And I also understand that those who trust the police and "authority" figures are not going to understand my motivations nor my behavior - nothing I can do is going to change this. Your reality is different from mine and likely so are your life experiences - life has taught you differently in this area than it has me. This is not right, nor is it wrong, it just is. I will not trash your reality but the price tag on this from me is that you don't get to trash mine as a few posters here have felt free to do. Once again, it's crystal clear to me that overall I don't fit into this online community - I have not been very active here for some time and I don't know these days, is there a moderator here now? If so, deleting my account should be quick and easy. Please do so. No drama, no snark...…..it's the best move for all parties concerned at this point is my take.

Once again, I thank Lori and Pete and the other parties who took this seriously and have worked and are working on resolution - this is nothing at all against these individuals. And to all I wish the best going forward - even to those who don't get my views/actions/behaviors/have issues with my posts. Happy shopping and may we all get a shot at some juicy bonuses...…..and may all here not learn what life has taught me about American Police. If you learn this, you'll never see situations like this the same way again. Whatever. I've said my piece, peace to all and please whoever has the ability to do so, please delete my account.

Squireparty
Phoenix, Arizona

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2019 06:42PM by squireparty.

END OF STORY.....

TL;DR - OP was required to have a letter to get onto campus for the shop. OP did not have the letter and instead of leaving, made a scene.

Your first mistake, which you acknowledged, was not having the letter.

Your second mistake - when the security guard asked for the letter, you should have explained and if he still said you could not get onto campus, you should have left. The end. Since it was your fault, maybe the shopping company would cancel it and give you a zero. But more than likely they would have let you come another day.

Third mistake was the necessary dramatics. "as I could not live with myself leaving the next mystery shopper vulnerable to this unstable, loose cannon Security Manager." "unlawfully arrested or physically assaulted". If you truly thought you'd be arrested and still engaged, all because you wanted to make $13 or whatever, then that is your own fault. The campus president far removed from the fast food franchise, the campus security guard probably knew more than him. Guaranteed everyone hung up and talked about you being a crazy person. Moreover, campus security are almost always not real police. All they do is ask you to leave, and you listen to them by leaving.

Learn from these mistakes. But if you cannot follow instructions or exercise common sense judgement, then yes maybe you should leave mystery shopping.

PO, delete your original post. All this is ridiculous and insulting.

Hmm. New day, new wonderment. So I show up at one of my considered campuses, just to visit with someone and get a feel for the place. I am in the middle of my next major life step-- old bag returning to college after decades-long absence. I do not have a letter of authorization for being there. I have an appointment with an admittance person. I have a letter from the admittance person, and a printed e-mail which includes directions to the office and warnings and advice about parking.

My vehicle does not have a visitor sticker. That was not provided for me. I just park where visitors park. Newbie parking official sees me, my old age, thinks I am there in drag to rape, mutilate, or do worse to the students, and calls the security division.

Security agrees. They sneer and jeer at my letter and accuse me of being the best %^*#@R* forger on the planet, and they haul my old lady butt to lock-up... Their boss tells them to verify. They verify. Meanwhile, it is too late to re-schedule. I sigh, drag my old butt to my car which by now has earned a ticket for parking too long, and drive away to the next campus.

Will the security people there be better, the same, or worse? So I have a potential topic for original research. This is a good sign...the only good sign...

And that brings us to the point of the mystery shop. All is not lost. Without the LOA, the OP is just one of some number of visitors to the campus who experiences the security staff. This is good information for whoever gives a damn about how they, their children, visiting academics, athletic visitors, and others might be treated by the security staff. Thank you, OP, for attempting to get past our dullness and into a place of consideration. Professors do this daily. You did a good job of teaching us, or at least of prying open a little crack where light could get in for a moment.

@Shop-et-al wrote:

Hmm. New day, new wonderment. So I show up at one of my considered campuses, just to visit with someone and get a feel for the place. I am in the middle of my next major life step-- old bag returning to college after decades-long absence. I do not have a letter of authorization for being there. I have an appointment with an admittance person. I have a letter from the admittance person, and a printed e-mail which includes directions to the office and warnings and advice about parking.

My vehicle does not have a visitor sticker. That was not provided for me. I just park where visitors park. Newbie parking official sees me, my old age, thinks I am there in drag to rape, mutilate, or do worse to the students, and calls the security division.

Security agrees. They sneer and jeer at my letter and accuse me of being the best %^*#@R* forger on the planet, and they haul my old lady butt to lock-up... Their boss tells them to verify. They verify. Meanwhile, it is too late to re-schedule. I sigh, drag my old butt to my car which by now has earned a ticket for parking too long, and drive away to the next campus.

Will the security people there be better, the same, or worse? So I have a potential topic for original research. This is a good sign...the only good sign...

And that brings us to the point of the mystery shop. All is not lost. Without the LOA, the OP is just one of some number of visitors to the campus who experiences the security staff. This is good information for whoever gives a damn about how they, their children, visiting academics, athletic visitors, and others might be treated by the security staff. Thank you, OP, for attempting to get past our dullness and into a place of consideration. Professors do this daily. You did a good job of teaching us, or at least of prying open a little crack where light could get in for a moment.

I won't be here much longer as I'm real about being deleted but I did see that you had posted and your prior posts in response to mine had been civil and sincere and kind so I read your post. Thank You. It's like your post here is a consolation prize I am walking away with after being a forum member since I believe 2013 (but I'd have to check dates on this to be sure)....much like the credit union membership at the military affiliated credit union is - the one I found out I was eligible to join via mystery shopping one of their branches. Thank You, Shop-et-al, and I wish you the best with going back to school, with mystery shopping, and with life in general. You sound like someone with a great attitude and an open mind - I'm sure if nothing else life will have some interesting and positive experiences in store for you. Squireparty