It is a shame as to what we have become, cower in fear, don't get involved etc.
Walmart fired three employees a year or so ago for stopping a man with a gun from committing an act of violence against someone in the store, FLAT OUT fired them.
I worked for Wal-Mart a total of ten years. Early on '95-'96ish, our store had a stream of robberies. One happened while I was outside on my break having a smoke. Some guy ran by us at the break table with my managers and a few others chasing him. I got up ran after him and caught him by one arm right as security caught him and dragged him down. All said and done he ended up with a broken ankle (from my manager twisting it to keep him on the ground) and 2 broken ribs from the security guy putting his knee in the guys back harshly.
Turned out he robbed the cashier at knife point. I for one am glad he suffered some injuries before the police got there, but we were all written up. It wasn't long after that that store/company policy changed (not because of our incident, but a number of others as well) and employees are no longer allowed to try to stop or apprehend anyone robbing the store. They are to let them go and call the police afterwards. It all comes down to insurance issues and the company not wanting to get sued by someone who got hurt after robbing the store or sued by someone who was injured trying to stop or apprehend someone.
Some of these people get stupid about it. Had one manager get in his truck and chase a shoplifter. I have story after stupid story about this kind of stuff.
I agree, when the time comes, do what you feel is right, but the store is only out to protect their profits for that year.
