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Loss prevention agent vs detention officer

The differences between loss prevention agents and detention officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a detention officer has an average salary of $40,087, 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 detention officer are detention facility, direct supervision, and booking.

Loss prevention agent vs detention officer overview

Loss Prevention AgentDetention Officer
Yearly salary$36,455$40,087
Hourly rate$17.53$19.27
Growth rate6%-10%
Number of jobs103,534116,529
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Average age3340
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 detention officer do?

The role of detention officers is to supervise inmates in state detention facilities. They are responsible for ensuring the safe imprisonment of detainees, managing conflict between detainees, and reporting inappropriate behavior to the warden. Other responsibilities include providing inmates the opportunity to call a lawyer or a relative, performing periodic patrol of the jail area, and supervising inmates during meals and related activities. They are also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness of personal and cell equipment and distributing medicines to inmates as directed.

Loss prevention agent vs detention officer salary

Loss prevention agents and detention officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Loss Prevention AgentDetention Officer
Average salary$36,455$40,087
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $62,000Between $29,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CityUrban Honolulu, HISan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateVirginiaHawaii
Best paying companyComplianceBering Straits
Best paying industryRetailInsurance

Differences between loss prevention agent and detention officer education

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

Loss Prevention AgentDetention Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Bakersfield-

Loss prevention agent vs detention officer demographics

Here are the differences between loss prevention agents' and detention officers' demographics:

Loss Prevention AgentDetention Officer
Average age3340
Gender ratioMale, 72.8% Female, 27.2%Male, 61.0% Female, 39.0%
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, 15.8% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.0% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage7%6%

Differences between loss prevention agent and detention officer 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.

Detention officer example responsibilities.

  • Train and manage officers of booking, procedures and computer knowledge skills and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
  • Manage booking area and process all non-English speaking detainees; streamline process and reduce confrontational situations through effective communication and leadership.
  • Maintain certification in CPR, gun qualification, and any specialize training offer.
  • Ensure that all require KYC documentation is on file before accounts are open.
  • Review and analyze KYC information on potential clients, brokerage counterparties, etc.
  • Perform CPR when necessary, and provide the transportation of inmates to the medical facility.
  • Show more

Loss prevention agent vs detention officer skills

Common loss prevention agent skills
  • Loss Prevention, 14%
  • Store Management, 12%
  • Sales Floor, 10%
  • CCTV, 10%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Internal Investigations, 5%
Common detention officer skills
  • Detention Facility, 14%
  • Direct Supervision, 13%
  • Booking, 11%
  • Law Enforcement, 10%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Security Checks, 4%

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