In response to the escalating issue of organized retail theft, Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D – Los Angeles) has introduced Assembly Bill 1990 (AB 1990), also known as the Secured Transactions and Organized Theft Prevention (STOP) Act. This legislation marks a significant effort to address the rising threat of retail theft, which has become increasingly linked to organized crime activities.
AB 1990 seeks to create a more secure environment for both employees and customers by tackling the challenges posed by organized retail theft. The bill aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom’s call for the Legislature to develop a framework intensifying efforts to combat property crimes.
One of the key provisions of AB 1990 is the authorization for peace officers to make a warrantless arrest for a misdemeanor shoplifting offense not committed in their presence, provided there is probable cause to believe the person has committed shoplifting.
Current law generally requires a misdemeanor, including retail theft, to be committed in the officer’s presence for a warrantless arrest. The bill also aims to address issues arising from the release and citation requirement for someone arrested for a misdemeanor, exempting individuals arrested for shoplifting.