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What They Do

Private Detectives and Investigators Career Video

Insider Info

People in this field set up systems to reduce retail losses from theft and fraud. Cameras, locks, security systems and electronic security tags are some of the tools used. Consultants fight against internal (employee) and external (customer) theft.

Most people in this field work for a medium- to large-sized retail chain. They are also called security managers or consultants. Another name is resources protection managers or consultants.

They install cameras and other devices to reduce losses. They may also be responsible for managing loss prevention officers, also called floorwalkers. Floorwalkers blend in with regular customers and watch for shoplifting in grocery stores and other retail outlets.

"Most chains of any size have people dedicated to resources protection, which is actually the new preferred phrase," says Randy Scotland. He works with a retail council that represents more than 7,500 retailers.

He says it's unknown how many people work in the field. That's largely because many managers handle loss prevention as only part of their job.

Loss prevention consultants don't work for individual companies. They prepare reports for companies, suggesting loss prevention strategies.

Paul Lynn is a loss prevention consultant. He says a 40-hour week is rare. "Probably 50 to 60 would be more typical," he says. "Because of the nature of the business, I get called seven days a week, 24 hours a day."

Like many consultants, Lynn also manages a staff of loss prevention officers. Their clients include several grocery stores. Lynn never knows when he'll get paged. "I personally think it's a good stress," he says. "It's enjoyable because, no matter what, every situation is different."

Above all, loss prevention consultants and managers are expected to save a company money. Consultants in particular have to sell companies on the value of their services.

"Sometimes it's hard to quantify what loss prevention will actually yield," says Greg Hurd. He's the chair of a chapter of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS).

"It's similar to having a policeman on the corner. If you have a policeman on the corner, how many traffic accidents does he stop? How many robberies does he stop? It's hard to quantify."

Loss prevention is a demanding field. The hours can be long and unpredictable, and there are other challenges.

"It can be long hours," agrees Heather Veitch. She is an assistant manager of loss prevention. "Sometimes I have 11 or 12 investigations on the go in a 30-day period."

Many loss prevention consultants are former police officers. This may be why very few women are involved in the consulting side, though they are well represented on the management side.

"It still tends to be a male-dominated field," acknowledges Tim Lynn. He is the owner of a loss prevention service. He was also a police officer for 27 years.

With more women currently in the police force, Paul Lynn suspects the future will see more women in loss prevention consulting. "I think there will be a change soon, where women will start [entering this field]," he says.

At a Glance

Set up systems to prevent theft

  • A lot of travel is required
  • Most are former police officers
  • You can get professional certification through an association

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support