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Loss prevention agent vs criminal investigator

The differences between loss prevention agents and criminal investigators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a criminal investigator has an average salary of $54,520, which is higher than the $36,455 average annual salary of a loss prevention agent.

The top three skills for a loss prevention agent include loss prevention, store management and sales floor. The most important skills for a criminal investigator are investigative reports, resourcefulness, and firearms.

Loss prevention agent vs criminal investigator overview

Loss Prevention AgentCriminal Investigator
Yearly salary$36,455$54,520
Hourly rate$17.53$26.21
Growth rate6%3%
Number of jobs103,5345,131
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age3344
Years of experience--

What does a loss prevention agent do?

A loss prevention agent is responsible for averting theft and securing a retail store or similar establishment. They are primarily in charge of monitoring surveillance cameras and roaming around the premises while dressed in civilian clothing, all to observe the surroundings and spot any suspicious behavior. Furthermore, a loss prevention agent must adhere to the policies and standards of the establishment, implement safety and security measures, and coordinate with the police should there be any person caught stealing.

What does a criminal investigator do?

A criminal investigator is a law enforcement professional who endeavors to solve felony crimes. Criminal investigators may work alone or as a member of an investigative team whose goal is to uncover the certainty of a case and potentially keep suspects to prevent the ensuing criminal activity. Their tasks and responsibilities depend on various job functions and specialties. They may specialize in the information and evidence of a crime scene, conduct interviews and searches, or perform surveillance.

Loss prevention agent vs criminal investigator salary

Loss prevention agents and criminal investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Loss Prevention AgentCriminal Investigator
Average salary$36,455$54,520
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $62,000Between $34,000 And $85,000
Highest paying CityUrban Honolulu, HIWashington, DC
Highest paying stateVirginiaCalifornia
Best paying companyComplianceNational Railroad Passenger Corporation
Best paying industryRetailGovernment

Differences between loss prevention agent and criminal investigator education

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

Loss Prevention AgentCriminal Investigator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Bakersfield-

Loss prevention agent vs criminal investigator demographics

Here are the differences between loss prevention agents' and criminal investigators' demographics:

Loss Prevention AgentCriminal Investigator
Average age3344
Gender ratioMale, 72.8% Female, 27.2%Male, 79.7% Female, 20.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 4.2% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage7%9%

Differences between loss prevention agent and criminal investigator duties and responsibilities

Loss prevention agent example responsibilities.

  • Manage foreclosure and bankruptcy from inception to completion and mitigate all potential losses within an acceptable range.
  • Perform camera surveillance and patrol the assigned store and assign location while ensuring to maintain a safe and secure store environment.
  • Conduct surveillance and counter-surveillance to detect and apprehend shoplifters, and other criminal activity utilizing CCTV.
  • Patrol assign facility areas to enforce rules and regulations.
  • Operate and monitor security control and access control devices using CCTV, life/safety alarms and systems alerting the necessary authority.
  • Protect company's assets by utilizing state-of-the-art detection and investigation surveillance system, which identify shoplifters and prevent loss of merchandise.

Criminal investigator example responsibilities.

  • Conduct joint planning and manage AFOSI's criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations in northern Italy.
  • Close accounts and file SAR's with FinCEN as warranted.
  • Write suspicious activity reports (SAR).
  • Follow up on sub reviews and documentation require information for FinCEN reporting.
  • Coordinate and conduct firearms training.
  • Examine discovery, prepare subpoenas, and review pertinent documents.
  • Show more

Loss prevention agent vs criminal investigator skills

Common loss prevention agent skills
  • Loss Prevention, 14%
  • Store Management, 12%
  • Sales Floor, 10%
  • CCTV, 10%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Internal Investigations, 5%
Common criminal investigator skills
  • Investigative Reports, 13%
  • Resourcefulness, 11%
  • Firearms, 11%
  • Treasury, 9%
  • Investigative Techniques, 8%
  • IRS, 6%

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