Store detective

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A store detective is employed to detect theft (commonly known as shoplifting) in retail outlets.[1] More common terms today with major retailers are Loss Prevention Agent, Detective or Investigator and Asset Protection Officer or Investigator. Special Officer, once common, is now rarely used, as few jurisdictions still allow it.

Overview

Store detectives may be self-employed on a contract basis but most are employees of the retailer, of a security firm with an outsourcing arrangement with the retailer, or of an agency with a similar agreement.

The job involves patrolling stores in the role of an ordinary shopper, watching for shoplifters. The detective follows any shopper behaving suspiciously, and keeps records of such observations. The key difference between a store detective and a security guard is that the former's role is covert. If they observe an individual shoplifting, they may detain them as they to exit the store or apprehend the suspect(s) during the theft. Laws vary greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction regarding what constitutes the crime of shoplifting and how a suspect may be detained/arrested.

Most stores require their detectives to have stable work histories and no criminal record. Common backgrounds include the armed services, fire & rescue services, security and policing. In the UK, distance learning courses in store detection are offered by The Security Industry Training Organization. Training in Security Studies is available from numerous training providers - at various levels.

Additional Responsibilities of the Store Detective

Many retail companies assign the task of investigating check and credit card fraud activity as well as employee theft activity to the Store Detective. They work closely with law enforcement on such cases whether it is on the local, state or federal level. Companies sometimes also assign the Store Detective the task of searching employee lockers and bags at random.

Typically store detectives in retail are commonly known either as Loss Prevention or Asset Protection. Management and field investigator functions also exist commonly within the Loss Prevention/Asset Protection sector of retail.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Store detective". National Careers Service. 
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