Earlier this year, officers and staff of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police informed government officials of a pattern of abuse surrounding allegations and the exposure of irregularities in the administration of RCMP pension and insurance funds. Since that time, CBC News has revealed that unrelenting pressure by rank-and-file RCMP employees has caused further investigation into the matter, which has resulted in the creation of a report by David Brown, the former head of the Ontario Securities Commission.

Mr. Brown's report is said to reveal that the lower-ranking force members who complained about problems "were treated very unfairly," and that officers who complained about perceived problems with administration of the funds "faced career damage." Brown's report is clear in it's suggestion that a task force be immediately put to work righting the administrative direction of the RCMP, and Brown further hints that the administration of a $3 billion financial fund structure might be beyond the capabilities of the current administration's talent.

Administrating $3 billion in pension and insurance funds ain't just buying horse chow, ya know?

Home Depot's (NYSE: HD) shoplifting policy was exposed today in a blog post by Brian White. Brian details a story wherein Home Depot employees have been summarily dismissed from employment for pursuing shoplifters and assisting police in apprehending them. On its face the situation seems stupid and illogical, but there are some things we need to consider.

First off, when a person is employed by any company, it is a condition of employment that the individual abide by the policies of the company. That's pretty straightforward thinking. It's not an issue of public sentiment. If the company that hires you tells you that policy dictates you hand the keys to the store to anyone who asks for them, you are bound by that policy and your job depends on that. Home Depot policy is clear and concise. Employees are not to interfere with shoplifters. Even the in-house security employees are instructed that way. Home Depot has its reasons for putting that policy in place.

So is this a license to steal? Perhaps it is, but there are some things that can be done about it. I have one idea that I'd institute immediately. If Home Depot was mine to secure and protect, each employee would be instructed in the ways to take hi-resolution video recordings of shoplifting occurrences. Video cameras would be accessible and ready in strategic locations so if shoplifting was detected, a video record could be made of the person, item(s), and the means of departure. Employees would be instructed to smile and wave at the perpetrators while getting nice clear records of their faces and the goods they have allegedly stolen. The resulting video recording could then be handed over to the security detail for determination if the police should be called.

When you couple a video recording with a sworn statement by a witness, you then provide the police with reasonable suspicion and they can easily pursue the matter further. To chase the alleged perpetrators yourself is a recipe for disaster. Even if they're guilty beyond any question and they've taken thousands of dollars in merchandise, if they fall on their faces while you're chasing them, it's your butt that's going to be in the wringer.

Sad but true.