Criminal Justice and Legal Degrees
Find Schools your Area:
Online Schools
Degree Types
Canadian Schools
Schools By State
Paralegal Schools By State
Paralegal Schools
Selected Cities

Save Billions of Dollars as a Loss Prevention Specialist

Shoplifting and employee theft cost the retail industry obscene amounts of money every year. That's where the loss prevention specialist comes in - it's his or her job to detect, report, and resolve all issues of safety, cash management, inventory shortages, and outright theft.

Loss prevention specialists must apprehend those who try to steal or destroy property, carry out inspections, write up security reports, and sometimes testify in court.

Hotels sometimes employ loss prevention specialists as well, although they're sometimes called hotel detectives instead.

What Education Does a Loss Prevention Specialist Need?
You often need an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, police science, or a related field. Additional knowledge of surveillance equipment, conflict resolution, and the ability to keep detailed records can also help.

Some private detectives specialize as loss prevention specialists. To pursue this career path in most States you need a license, although licensing requirements vary widely. Some of the stricter requirements include:
  • Completing education in police science, criminal law, or justice
  • Three years (6,000 hours) of work experience
  • Passing a criminal background check
  • Earning a qualifying score on a 2-hour written exam on laws and regulations
If you wish to carry a handgun, you also need to fulfill the necessary requirements for a firearms permit.

A Loss Prevention Specialist's Potential Salary and Employment Opportunities

Private detectives overall earn an average annual salary of $46,480, although some companies offer far more. In addition, an 18% growth in employment is expected from 2006-2016, particularly for those skilled in controlling internal and external financial losses.
Find Schools your Area:
Programs
Articles
Career Information