Job Descriptions

Loss Prevention Officer Job Description

What is the job description of a Loss Prevention Officer? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Loss Prevention Officer? What does a Loss Prevention Officer do?

Job description of a Loss Prevention Officer

Loss prevention officers work in retail environments to prevent shoplifter theft as well as theft from store employees. Officers maintain a presence in the public retail space, monitoring shoppers and employees alike for unusual behavior. Depending on employer policy, officers may be able to apprehend suspected thieves and they may also be armed.

This Loss Prevention Officer job description example includes the list of most important Loss Prevention Officer duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Loss Prevention Officer profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Loss Prevention Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Loss Prevention Officer job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Monitoring public areas for potential threats
  • In some instances, monitoring displays or changing rooms, both of which can provide additional opportunities to steal merchandise
  • Identifying potential thieves or vandals among staff or patrons
  • Uniformed officers may discourage potential thieves or troublemakers
  • Reviewing inventory and stock and investigating suspected pilferage by employees
  • Following and confronting suspected shoplifters
  • Documenting theft and other security violations
  • Working with law enforcement to arrest and prosecute suspected shoplifters and dishonest employees
  • If working in a mall or a retail center, loss prevention officers may also liaise with property security teams
  • More experienced loss prevention officers may also help companies develop security policies

Loss Prevention Officer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Loss Prevention Officer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience as a Loss Prevention Officer, Mall Security Guard, or similar.
  • Experience working undercover is preferred.
  • Ability to work undetected, if needed.
  • Perceptive and intuitive with excellent judgment.
  • Capacity to perform duties with speed and precision.
  • Physically fit.
  • Self-defense training is highly advantageous.
  • License to carry non-lethal weapons is suggested.
  • Excellent verbal communication skills.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Loss Prevention Officer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Loss Prevention Officer job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Loss Prevention Officer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.