In a situation where a customer is acting suspiciously, what is a priority for an asset protection officer?

Discreetly monitoring while assisting other shoppers is a priority for an asset protection officer in the scenario of a suspicious customer. This approach allows the officer to keep an eye on the situation without creating unnecessary tension or alerting the customer that they are being watched. By maintaining a presence in the area and assisting other shoppers, the officer can blend in with the environment, which enables them to gather more information about the suspicious behavior.

This method also allows for a calm and composed assessment of the situation. The officer can evaluate the customer's actions over time instead of making hasty conclusions based on a brief interaction. By doing so, they can determine whether intervention is necessary and what kind of intervention would be appropriate, ensuring that both customer interactions and store security are maintained without escalating the situation prematurely.