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What is a Loss Prevention Officer?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A loss prevention officer is a security specialist who works in retail environments to investigate, prevent, and pursue thefts. In addition to monitoring customers for signs of shoplifting, loss prevention officers also investigate and keep an eye on employees, as employee theft can be a significant problem in some retail settings. Special training is not necessarily a job requirement, although people who have completed security training or who have experience can be more competitive applicants. Stores must also make sure their loss prevention officers are familiar with their rights and responsibilities under the law.

Loss prevention officers can monitor and review security tape in addition to making recommendations for placement of security cameras, mirrors, and other monitoring devices. They are usually consulted when stores are developing layouts for dressing rooms, floors, and stock rooms. Although the loss prevention officer cannot dictate the layout, obvious security concerns can be identified and addressed with small changes, like not creating a blind spot with a set of shelves or racks.

A loss prevention officer may monitor customers for signs of shoplifting.
A loss prevention officer may monitor customers for signs of shoplifting.

A loss prevention officer also usually spends time on the floor of the store, typically dressing in plain clothes and posing as a customer. This allows the security officer to watch customers closely. The law usually requires that proof of shoplifting be provided before someone can be detained by a store; the loss prevention officer must see a person taking and concealing an item, for example, clearly intending to take it without paying. Rotating loss prevention officers can also watch clerks who are not familiar with them to see if they appear to be engaging in theft.

Loss prevention officers may work in a mall and oversee a number of retail stores.
Loss prevention officers may work in a mall and oversee a number of retail stores.

If a loss prevention officer identifies a shoplifter, the person can be retained by the store until police officers arrive and process the shoplifting charges. Loss prevention officers are allowed to use some basic techniques for restraining people in the course of their work. To avoid charges of false imprisonment, loss prevention officers and stores are very careful about how they handle suspected shoplifting cases.

Employee theft can be a significant problem in some retail settings.
Employee theft can be a significant problem in some retail settings.

In cases where employee theft is the issue, the security specialist submits a report to the company, allowing it to take action against specific employees. Recommendations for preventing theft or making it harder in the future can also be made. These can include limiting access to register functions like chargebacks, requiring employees to check bags and coats when they come to work, and providing employee discounts and other benefits as incentives to encourage people to remain loyal to the company.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PracticalAdultInsights researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PracticalAdultInsights researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • A loss prevention officer may monitor customers for signs of shoplifting.
      By: Gina Sanders
      A loss prevention officer may monitor customers for signs of shoplifting.
    • Loss prevention officers may work in a mall and oversee a number of retail stores.
      By: Photocreo Bednarek
      Loss prevention officers may work in a mall and oversee a number of retail stores.
    • Employee theft can be a significant problem in some retail settings.
      By: pressmaster
      Employee theft can be a significant problem in some retail settings.