Originally Posted by
4444
i see the term false imprisonment thrown all over these forums. it is not false imprisonment to keep people for a reasonable period of time to investigate a potential problem.
Absolutely and completely wrong. "False imprisonment" is keeping someone from leaving by force or fear of force. Period. There's no, "I've got a good reason" exception. Civilians can detain someone by placing them under citizens arrest (and may use force to do so). They will, however, be liable for false imprisonment, false arrest, assault and battery if they are mistaken (as would have been the case here).
a half hour is hardly a substantial period of "imprisonment".
Sorry, but you don't know the law. There is no "substantial period" requirement.
i agree the police should have been called as soon as possible to deal with the idea a child might be missing but to call the police to claim false imprisonment is just silly.
Not so silly if a person was physically blocked from leaving. That
is false imprisonment.
i myself would have calmly walked out the door telling management they would be free to take my plate number if they thought it necessary.
As would I and heaven help the person who tried to stop me.