WR recently participated in a standing-room-only organized retail crime meeting hosted by the Washington Organized Retail Crime Association held near Bellevue Square.
The meeting was attended by retail loss prevention and asset protection professionals, law enforcement from multiple jurisdictions, and representatives from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
WR provided an update on relevant laws and proposals, highlighting the optimistic outlook for the federal Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) – HR 895 and S 140. These bills have broad bipartisan support and are expected to be approved by the summer recess. WR also heralded the enactment of the law enforcement pursuit initiative, which takes effect today.
WR reminded attendees to consider attending the upcoming State Attorney General’s ORC Task Force meeting on July 17, from 10:00 am to noon, available both in-person in Seattle and remotely.
Several retail company representatives shared details about specific ORC incidents and suspects to help identify similarities and common trends. Law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney discussed collaboration and best practices for presenting cases and leads in investigations.
WR is pleased with the growing interest in addressing these issues and is confident that the efforts will lead to a safer and more vibrant shopping and working environment for our communities.
