Post job

Detective vs loss prevention analyst

The differences between detectives and loss prevention analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a detective has an average salary of $57,984, which is higher than the $38,684 average annual salary of a loss prevention analyst.

The top three skills for a detective include physical evidence, patrol and law enforcement agencies. The most important skills for a loss prevention analyst are loss prevention, customer service, and camera surveillance.

Detective vs loss prevention analyst overview

DetectiveLoss Prevention Analyst
Yearly salary$57,984$38,684
Hourly rate$27.88$18.60
Growth rate3%6%
Number of jobs56,52162,658
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Average age4433
Years of experience--

What does a detective do?

A detective is responsible for conducting in-depth investigations for criminal activities, potential threats, and other law-violating incidents, coordinating closely with law-enforcement agencies and crime intelligence analysts. Detectives often work on the field, gathering data and related evidence to support claims and connect the timeline of events. They keep an organized record of their findings for further validation before reporting it to the authority. A detective must have excellent investigative and critical-thinking skills, especially on solving puzzles and security solutions.

What does a loss prevention analyst do?

A loss prevention analyst designs and develops loss prevention programs, typically for retail establishments. They are in charge of providing analytical services primarily to avoid or resolve cases of theft and fraud. Among their responsibilities include gathering and analyzing financial and inventory data, inspecting alarm systems and protocols, performing research and analysis to identify the best practices, determining the strengths and weaknesses of current loss prevention techniques, and implementing solutions against vulnerable areas. Furthermore, a loss prevention analyst must maintain an active communication line with managers and loss prevention officers for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Detective vs loss prevention analyst salary

Detectives and loss prevention analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

DetectiveLoss Prevention Analyst
Average salary$57,984$38,684
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $95,000Between $21,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City-Urban Honolulu, HI
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-Barclays
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between detective and loss prevention analyst education

There are a few differences between a detective and a loss prevention analyst in terms of educational background:

DetectiveLoss Prevention Analyst
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeUniversity of ArizonaCalifornia State University - Bakersfield

Detective vs loss prevention analyst demographics

Here are the differences between detectives' and loss prevention analysts' demographics:

DetectiveLoss Prevention Analyst
Average age4433
Gender ratioMale, 82.7% Female, 17.3%Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 2.8% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 4.2% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage9%7%

Differences between detective and loss prevention analyst duties and responsibilities

Detective example responsibilities.

  • Manage all ABC issues and applications for liquor licenses.
  • Receive multiple letters of commendation for effective investigations that lead to successful prosecutions.
  • Monitor wire taps and conduct detailed surveillance of wire tap targets and associates.
  • Sole provider of data gathering from TIGTA's complaint management system and the IRS for biweekly phishing scam reports.
  • Connect GPS devices/recorder/audio/video by hard wiring to vehicle power for longer operations.
  • Optimize critical security of dignitaries by proficiently conducting foot and vehicle patrol of concentration areas.
  • Show more

Loss prevention analyst example responsibilities.

  • Manage foreclosure and bankruptcy from inception to completion and mitigate all potential losses within an acceptable range.
  • Ensure that physical security controls (CCTV, EAS, alarm systems) are operating effectively to minimize shrinkage.
  • Monitor CCTV cameras, report and apprehend shop-lifters, and walk around the store to observe anything suspicious.
  • Analyze bankruptcy and foreclosure files in order to devise a strategy to minimize loss and maximize financial recovery.
  • Protect company's assets by utilizing state-of-the-art detection and investigation surveillance system, which identify shoplifters and prevent loss of merchandise.

Detective vs loss prevention analyst skills

Common detective skills
  • Physical Evidence, 15%
  • Patrol, 13%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 8%
  • Crime Scenes, 5%
  • Insurance Fraud, 5%
  • Public Safety, 5%
Common loss prevention analyst skills
  • Loss Prevention, 24%
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Camera Surveillance, 5%
  • Basic Math, 5%
  • Risk Management, 4%
  • CCTV, 4%

Browse protective service jobs