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Lead investigator vs loss prevention associate

The differences between lead investigators and loss prevention associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lead investigator has an average salary of $60,060, which is higher than the $38,861 average annual salary of a loss prevention associate.

The top three skills for a lead investigator include law enforcement agencies, background investigations and data analysis. The most important skills for a loss prevention associate are customer service, patrol, and safety standards.

Lead investigator vs loss prevention associate overview

Lead InvestigatorLoss Prevention Associate
Yearly salary$60,060$38,861
Hourly rate$28.88$18.68
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs21,29982,313
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age4433
Years of experience6-

What does a lead investigator do?

Lead investigators are responsible for gathering information from both eyewitnesses and suspects. They have to untangle the crime scene for possible clues like DNA, fingerprints, physical evidence, and more. They document the scene by taking photos or by using Leica scanners to capture every detail of the crime scene. Also, they take evidence, processed them, preserve records, and then present the evidence to courts. Additionally, they, at times, procure supplies and items essential for an investigation like identifications apparatus. Lead investigators must know the state, federal, and local laws regarding police operations, investigative procedures as well as evidence safekeeping and demolition.

What does a loss prevention associate do?

A loss prevention associate is responsible for monitoring the organization's daily operations, maintaining the safety and security of all network systems to avoid data theft. Loss prevention associates take immediate actions on all related suspicious activities that would compromise the company's reputation and financial status. They regularly check surveillance technologies to maintain asset protection and operational stability at all times. A loss prevention associate should have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, especially on writing incident reports and escalating unusual activities to the management for immediate resolution.

Lead investigator vs loss prevention associate salary

Lead investigators and loss prevention associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Lead InvestigatorLoss Prevention Associate
Average salary$60,060$38,861
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $113,000Between $21,000 And $69,000
Highest paying CitySouth San Francisco, CASalisbury, MD
Highest paying stateDelawareVirginia
Best paying companyBNY MellonAIG
Best paying industryPharmaceuticalUtilities

Differences between lead investigator and loss prevention associate education

There are a few differences between a lead investigator and a loss prevention associate in terms of educational background:

Lead InvestigatorLoss Prevention Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - BakersfieldCalifornia State University - Bakersfield

Lead investigator vs loss prevention associate demographics

Here are the differences between lead investigators' and loss prevention associates' demographics:

Lead InvestigatorLoss Prevention Associate
Average age4433
Gender ratioMale, 68.6% Female, 31.4%Male, 68.7% Female, 31.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 4.6% White, 57.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 4.2% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%7%

Differences between lead investigator and loss prevention associate duties and responsibilities

Lead investigator example responsibilities.

  • Manage corporate-wide document production relative to complex litigation cases.
  • Require to testify at court appearances in response to research pertaining to various types of subpoenas.
  • Develop procedures for and review incoming referrals from internal departments and subpoenas to determine if a full investigation are warranted.
  • Ensure effective prioritization of investigation through supervision and monitor & review investigative activity and outcomes using CCTV & by running reports.
  • Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
  • Generate records by interrogatories or name, date of birth and social security number.
  • Show more

Loss prevention associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage foreclosure and bankruptcy from inception to completion and mitigate all potential losses within an acceptable range.
  • Greet customers, operate CCTV security monitors and prevent shrinkage of merchandise.
  • Job duties include the personal detainment and apprehension of retail shoplifters utilizing plain view self-observation and/or CCTV cameras.
  • 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.

Lead investigator vs loss prevention associate skills

Common lead investigator skills
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 9%
  • Background Investigations, 9%
  • Data Analysis, 8%
  • Corrective Action, 8%
  • Criminal Justice, 7%
  • Loss Prevention, 7%
Common loss prevention associate skills
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Patrol, 13%
  • Safety Standards, 10%
  • Loss Prevention, 10%
  • Safety Inspections, 8%
  • Cash Handling, 7%

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