Theft committed by means of force or fear should be handled using which protocol?

• A. Protocol 106
• B. Protocol 109
• C. Protocol 126
• D. Protocol 108

Answer: (C)

The situation where theft is carried out using force or fear is treated as aggravated theft, and it requires a protocol that prioritizes safety, evidence preservation, and a thorough investigation. This approach focuses on securing the scene, protecting victims and witnesses, and detaining or controlling any suspects if present, while carefully documenting injuries, statements, and surveillance. It also emphasizes tight chain-of-custody for all physical and digital evidence and coordinating closely with detectives to move the case forward. This specialized protocol differs from ones used for non-violent theft or theft by deception, which center more on documentation and routine investigation rather than immediate safety and coercive-evidence concerns. In short, handling aggravated theft with a protocol designed for that severity ensures appropriate response, victim support, and solid groundwork for prosecuting the offender.