Loss Prevention Officer job description

Job brief

We are seeking a vigilant and detail-oriented Loss Prevention Officer to join our security team and play a critical role in minimizing organizational risk. You will serve as the primary point of contact for store safety, protecting our assets while providing a secure shopping experience for our customers and a safe workspace for our staff. This is an ideal role for an individual with an investigative mindset who enjoys data-driven problem solving and proactive environment monitoring. If you are committed to upholding security standards, documenting incidents with precision, and reducing financial losses, we would like to invite you to contribute to our safety culture.

What is a Loss Prevention Officer?

A Loss Prevention Officer is a specialized security professional dedicated to identifying and eliminating internal and external shrink, theft, and safety hazards. By leveraging advanced video management software and electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology, a Loss Prevention Officer protects company assets and personnel across complex retail or warehouse environments. This role bridges the gap between physical security operations and investigative data analysis, ensuring compliance with legal standards and local law enforcement regulations to maintain a safe, profitable environment.

What does a Loss Prevention Officer do?

A typical day for a Loss Prevention Officer involves auditing high-risk inventory, monitoring live CCTV feeds via VMS platforms, and conducting thorough investigations into potential incidents of employee dishonesty or shoplifting. They perform regular walkthroughs to test safety protocols, document suspicious activity in digital incident reporting databases, and collaborate with store management to refine inventory control procedures. When a security breach occurs, the Loss Prevention Officer leads the incident response, collects necessary evidence, and coordinates with local police or third-party investigators to resolve cases.

Key responsibilities

• Operate and monitor enterprise-grade CCTV surveillance systems to detect and deter unauthorized activity in real-time throughout the facility.
• Conduct thorough investigations into internal and external shrink incidents, including gathering witness statements and documenting evidence for potential prosecution.
• Perform daily floor walks to audit electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag placement, exit door functionality, and overall site security posture.
• Draft detailed incident reports and data summaries using electronic case management software to maintain an accurate archive of all security-related activities.
• Execute emergency response procedures during medical emergencies, fire alarms, or facility evacuations in coordination with first responders.
• Deliver security awareness training to store associates to promote best practices in inventory control and workplace safety compliance.
• Partner with law enforcement agencies during complex investigations, providing surveillance footage, testimony, and documentation as requested by local authorities.
• Analyze inventory shrinkage trends using POS exception reports to identify patterns and recommend strategic adjustments to existing security protocols.

Requirements and skills

• Minimum 2 years of experience in retail loss prevention, private security, or a related field within an investigative capacity.
• Proficiency with modern video management software (VMS) such as Genetec, Milestone, or ExacqVision and POS exception reporting tools.
• Working knowledge of criminal and civil laws related to detention, search, and seizure as applied in a retail environment.
• Strong ability to write clear, objective, and legally sound incident reports that withstand administrative and judicial scrutiny.
• Certification in de-escalation techniques or professional security credentials such as Wicklander-Zulawski or equivalent investigative training preferred.
• Proven capability to maintain focus during extended shifts and maintain situational awareness in high-traffic, complex environments.
• Understanding of OSHA compliance standards and safety regulations relevant to retail or warehouse distribution center operations.
• Ability to communicate security-related findings clearly to executive leadership and external legal or law enforcement stakeholders.

FAQs