Anyone caught stealing or mutilating library materials will be prosecuted under the States criminal mischief law (ND Century Code 12.1-21-05) and held civilly liable for the damage (ND Century Code 32-03-09.2). Procedures for library staff to follow if they see someone stealing or mutilating library materials:
Detain the individual if possible, but do not jeopardize your safety. If you ask for the person's drivers license or student I.D. immediately, he/she may be taken off guard and surrender it. At the very least, get as good a description of the person as possible and seek other witnesses. Call Campus Security at ext. 8998. While waiting for security, obtain the person's name, address, etc. When the security officer arrives, he/she will question the person, write up a report and send it to the Cass County States Attorney. Expect to be called as the witness to District Court if the offense is judged to be a Class A offense or to Municipal Court if a Class B offense.