Internal affairs phone call goes stupid

Under section 490.5(f) of the California criminal code, a merchant in California may only detain a suspected shoplifter for a reasonable period of time in order to conduct a reasonable investigation into the matter, provided that the merchant has probable cause to believe that the individual attempted to unlawfully take, or successfully took, goods from the premises. Additionally, the merchant may only use a reasonable amount of non-deadly force as is necessary to stop the alleged shoplifter from escaping or to prevent the loss of property. The merchant may also use reasonable force to protect himself or herself if necessary.