Theft Detection System(TDS)

1. When the alarm goes off, do the following:
   
   
   1. Ask patron to step back to the desk and ask them if they have any library materials. The staff member in a calm and polite manner might say, "Will you please step back to the desk. Do you have any library materials? We may have forgotten to check out an item." A staff member may have another way to phase this request. The point is to be courteous and calm.
   
   
   2. If the patron says no, have the patron walk through the exit again. If the systems sounds a second time, then say to the patron, "I need you to open your bag and pull out the materials so that I may check for something else that might have set off the alarm."
   
   
   3. NEVER PUT YOUR HANDS IN SOMEBODY'S BAG!
   
   
   4. Check the library materials if any for the current due date or to ascertain that the materials are still checked out and the due date has not expired. If the materials have the correct date due stamp, desensitize the materials again. Have patron take the materials through TDS again.
   
   
   5. If there are no library materials belonging to the UM Libraries, there may be materials from other libraries, textbooks, videos, keys, materials from another department or unit in the library, etc. that will set off the alarm. If the patron has textbooks offer to desensitize them.
   
   
   6. If this is the case, have the patron walk through with book bag but without these items and if the alarm does not go off, hand these items to patron around the system.
   
   
   7. If patron refuses to stop when alarm sounds, get a description of patron including race, sex, clothing, etc. and call the UMPD at 911 and ask the dispatcher to send the police to the library. Meet the police at an agreed upon location.
   
   
2. Make a notation in the Log Book of incident and briefly describe it.
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