Retail Loss Prevention Specialists

Also called: Asset Protection Agent, Asset Protection Associate (APA), Asset Protection Greeter, Asset Protection Specialist, Loss Prevention Agent

Retail Loss Prevention Specialists

Varies

estimated salary

Retail loss prevention specialists implement procedures and systems to prevent merchandise loss. Conduct audits and investigations of employee activity. May assist in developing policies, procedures, and systems for safeguarding assets.

  • Investigate known or suspected internal theft, external theft, or vendor fraud.
  • Implement or monitor processes to reduce property or financial losses.
  • Identify and report merchandise or stock shortages.
  • Maintain documentation or reports on security-related incidents or investigations.
  • Apprehend shoplifters in accordance with guidelines.
  • Verify proper functioning of physical security systems, such as closed-circuit televisions, alarms, sensor tag systems, or locks.
  • Identify and report safety concerns to maintain a safe shopping and working environment.
  • Conduct store audits to identify problem areas or procedural deficiencies.
  • Monitor compliance with standard operating procedures for loss prevention, physical security, or risk management.
  • Inspect buildings, equipment, or access points to determine security risks.
  • Perform covert surveillance of areas susceptible to loss, such loading docks, distribution centers, or warehouses.
  • Prepare written reports on investigations.
  • Collaborate with law enforcement agencies to report or investigate crimes.
  • Testify in civil or criminal court proceedings.
  • Recommend methods to reduce potential financial fraud losses.
  • Train establishment personnel in loss prevention activities.
  • Coordinate with risk management, human resources, or other departments to assist in company programs, investigations, or training.
  • Respond to critical incidents, such as catastrophic events, violent weather, or civil disorders.
  • Recommend new or improved processes or equipment to reduce risk exposure.
  • Direct work of contract security officers or other loss prevention agents.
  • Conduct employee background investigations and review reports with operational or human resources managers.
Work Context
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 81% responded "Extremely important".
  • Contact With Others — 78% responded "Constant contact with others".
  • Telephone — 80% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 83% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 84% responded "Every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 53% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Electronic Mail — 70% responded "Every day".
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Work Activities
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Monitor operations to ensure compliance with safety or security policies or regulations.
  • Investigate crimes committed within organizations.
  • Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to respond to incidents.
  • Monitor operations to ensure compliance with safety or security policies or regulations.
  • Direct security operations.
  • Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.
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Knowledge

Public Safety and Security
  • Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Law and Government
  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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Skills

Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring
  • Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning
  • The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Transaction security and virus protection software
  • Symantec Hot Technology
  • McAfee
Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology
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Education

Get started on your career:

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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