Confrontations

Probably the most troubling part of my job is protecting customers and staff from crazy people.

I was counting drawers in the cash office when I heard over the walkie talkie that someone was yelling and threatening and swearing at the front of the store. It took a few seconds to realize no one else was going to do anything about it. I called mall security and ran up to the front of the store.

An agitated young man was screaming and swearing near the door. No one was within twenty feet of him. He was creating quite a scene.

My trainiing in parenting has taught me that when dealing with bad behavior one needs to be susinct. I pointed to the door and said, "Out." He was already moving when I pointed. Then the broken record technique; "Out. Out. Out. And don't come back."

He left, still yelling, still agitated. But then came back in and I called 911 from the phone by the door. "Out," I repeated but the magic was gone and he stood at the front yelling and carrying on about all sorts of perceived injustices and personal trespasses. He was quite threatening and I was looking for something I could use to protect myself but noting was at hand. I felt pretty vulnerble and no one was backing me up.

Finally the mall security showed up while I was talking to the 911 operator. At first they didn't quite grasp the situation and assumed his complaints were serious and real, but they finally escorted him from the building (he promised he'd be waiting for us when we left).

Maybe I can get my Palm some kind of Tazer add-on.