City of University Heights v. Conley

Primarily this case is concerned with the question as to whether an individual employed by a department store as a “store detective” for the purpose of apprehending persons who commit thefts of merchandise or equipment owned by the store is encumbered by the same constitutional requirements as a police officer or other government officer when making a search or seizure for the purpose of prosecution.

Julia Conley, the defendant, was observed by the store detective as said defendant removed from racks and counters two pairs of slacks and five to seven other articles of clothing. Defendant took…