Retail Loss Prevention Specialists

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Protective Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 33-9099
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Structured query language SQL, Access control systems, Aspect Loss Prevention Aspect EliteLP, Automated locks, Case management system software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Loss Prevention Managers
• Private Detectives and Investigators
• Security Managers
• First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
• Compliance Managers
• Financial Risk Specialists
• Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
• Security Guards

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Retail Loss Prevention Specialists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.