Store Security Detective Job Description
Store Security Detective Job Profile and Description
Just about all department stores and malls employ Store Detectives or Loss Prevention Officers. They are specially trained to conduct covert retail store security with a combination of using a surveillance system and simply mingling with the shoppers to detect suspicious activities. They wear plain clothes and act like police on patrol in a store but unlike police, they don’t have arresting authority but apprehend and detain suspected shoplifters who may be released upon payment of shoplifted item or turned over to the responding local police for prosecution.
Store Security Detective Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervise the operation of the store CCTV monitoring system to capture the comings and goings of store parking lots, entranceways, checkouts, change rooms
- Mingle with shoppers to identify potential shoplifters from patrons as well as sales staff, vendors and delivery personnel
- Conduct regular or random inspections of stock areas, dressing and rest rooms,
- Make the rounds of the store immediately before closing to ensure no one is hiding in dressing rooms and lavatories
- Apprehend and detain suspected shoplifters
- Coordinate with store manager to determine whether or not to press charges
- Alert low enforcement officers on shoplifters detained.
- Provide management with loss prevention and security reports
- Provide evidence in court in any prosecution against shoplifters
Store Security Detective Skills and Specifications
- Must have excellent medical health and physical fitness
- Must have useful martial arts skill
- Must have a keen observant eye to detect suspicious behaviour
- Must have ability to operate two-way radios for communication with security office and surveillance room
- Must have adequate communication skills
Store Security Detective Education and Qualifications
A high school diploma is basic but an undergraduate course in Police science or equivalent experience in police or security work is an advantage.
Store Security Detective Salary
The median annual salary for private store detectives stood at nearly $41,800 in 2008 when the middle 50% took in between $30,900 and $59,000. The highest 10% earned about $76,700 while the lowest 10% earned around $23,500. The salary varies greatly between employers depending on state, business and size.