Loss Prevention Job Description: The Responsibilities
As a loss prevention officer, you will be entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the interests of your employer by preventing the loss of goods through shoplifting and other illegal activity. Professionals interested in loss prevention jobs have to ensure that they prevent loss without violating the rights of the public and that they work in tandem with the law enforcement personnel.
Individuals who hold LP jobs are not only responsible for protecting the company and its assets and goods from external threats but also from internal elements including employees. While a keen eye for vigilance is an important skills required for the job, an aptitude for customer service is also a must. Loss prevention officers work closely with the management of the establishment and the other departments to provide security to the employees and the customers.
The duties of a loss prevention officer include:
• Conducting surveillance of employees as well as customers; this takes up a large part of the loss prevention officer's time.
• Inspecting the store or hotel and looking for overt signs of theft and/or destruction
• Offering security in the vulnerable areas of the establishment such as the cash counters etc.
• Organizing programs and seminars that discuss the need for safety in the establishment and the measures being taken for it with the other employees
• The installation of special security devices to monitor theft
Loss prevention job description: The qualifications and skills required
While you do not need a master's degree to procure jobs in the field, basic education is important. You will find that only small organizations are willing to hire professionals with just a high school diploma while most large establishments require interested candidates to possess at least an associate's degree with some form of training in criminal justice. It is also common for some establishments to demand a bachelor's degree.
Interested candidates should who do not have a law enforcement background should consider getting some form of vocational certification in Criminal Justice, usually available through online courses.
Skills required for loss prevention jobs include:
• A thorough understanding of surveillance systems and how they work
• The willingness and ability to work at unusual hours; it is normal for loss prevention officers to work during holidays, weekends and also at night.
• Professionals should be adept at handling delicate situations diplomatically and tactfully.
• Should be skilled at proper record keeping and note taking.
• The ability to observe, interpret and identify unusual behavior that might point to illegal activity
• The conviction to uphold fair and regular practices and rules.
Candidates interested in LP jobs will be expected to go through a background check. Acquiring a certification from the Loss Prevention Foundation will be a plus.
How to find loss prevention employment in the retail or hospitality sector?
Using social media platforms such as LinkedIn is a wonderful way to build contacts in the industry and to let prospective employers know that you are interested in loss prevention positions.
Make sure that you attend as many industry specific seminars, lectures, and events as you can to keep yourself updated on the use of the latest technology in the field and also to meet representatives of companies that have a loss prevention team on board.
Finally, using the internet is by far one of the most efficacious ways to find loss prevention employment. There are many sites that not only offer information about countrywide listings but also give you the opportunity to upload your resume so that prospective employers can quickly access your credentials.
Loss prevention jobs are fulfilling as well as challenging; although the formal qualification level required to secure a job in the sector is minimal; there is great scope for progress. If you completely understand the loss prevention job description and are interested in LP jobs in the retail or hospitality sector, take a look at LossPreventionCrossing.com. The site boasts of thousands of listings and you can sign up for a FREE trial. You can push your loss prevention employment search to a new level through the in-depth information offered on the site.
