Loss prevention officers monitor and investigate theft in retail environments, including employee theft. They may review security footage, make recommendations for security devices, and pose as customers. They must have proof of shoplifting before detaining someone and can make recommendations to prevent future theft.
A loss prevention officer is a security specialist who works in retail environments to investigate, prevent and prosecute theft. In addition to monitoring customers for signs of theft, loss prevention agents also investigate and keep an eye on employees, as employee theft can be a significant problem in some retail establishments. Special training is not necessarily a job requirement, although people who have completed security training or who have experience may be more competitive candidates. Stores should also ensure their loss prevention agents are familiar with their rights and responsibilities under the law.
Loss prevention officers can monitor and review security tape, as well as make recommendations for placement of security cameras, mirrors and other monitoring devices. They are often consulted when stores are developing layouts for fitting rooms, floors and warehouses. While the loss prevention officer cannot dictate the layout, obvious safety concerns can be identified and addressed with minor changes, such as not creating a blind spot with a set of shelves or racks.
A loss prevention officer also often spends time on the store floor, typically wearing plain clothes and posing as a customer. This allows the security officer to watch customers closely. The law usually requires proof of shoplifting to be provided before someone can be detained by a store; the loss prevention officer must see a person taking and hiding an item, for example, clearly intending to take it without paying. Rotating Loss Prevention Officers may also watch employees who are not familiar with them to see if they appear to be involved in theft.
If a loss prevention officer identifies a shoplifter, the person may be held at the store until officers arrive and process theft charges. Loss prevention officers can use some basic techniques to restrain people in the course of their work. To avoid false arrest charges, loss prevention agents and stores are very careful about how they handle suspected cases of theft.
In cases where employee theft is the issue, the security specialist sends a report to the company, allowing the company to take action against specific employees. Recommendations can also be made to prevent theft or make it more difficult in the future. This can include limiting access to registration functions such as chargebacks, requiring employees to check bags and coats when they work, and offering employee discounts and other benefits as incentives to encourage people to remain loyal to the company.
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