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Loss prevention agent vs law enforcement officer

The differences between loss prevention agents and law enforcement officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a law enforcement officer has an average salary of $39,219, 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 law enforcement officer are patrol, public safety, and emergency situations.

Loss prevention agent vs law enforcement officer overview

Loss Prevention AgentLaw Enforcement Officer
Yearly salary$36,455$39,219
Hourly rate$17.53$18.86
Growth rate6%3%
Number of jobs103,534105,817
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
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 law enforcement officer do?

The duties of a law enforcement officer depend on their line of work or agency of employment. In general, they are responsible for enforcing laws and regulations, prioritizing the safety of citizens and the protection of the city. Typically, their responsibilities include patrolling their designated area, responding to distress, monitoring suspicious activities and characters, conducting investigations and inspections, and coordinating various services to assist citizens. Moreover, as a law enforcement officer, it is essential to serve as a role model for citizens and uphold the oath to serve and protect.

Loss prevention agent vs law enforcement officer salary

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

Loss Prevention AgentLaw Enforcement Officer
Average salary$36,455$39,219
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $62,000Between $30,000 And $50,000
Highest paying CityUrban Honolulu, HISeattle, WA
Highest paying stateVirginiaWashington
Best paying companyComplianceUniversity of Nebraska System
Best paying industryRetailGovernment

Differences between loss prevention agent and law enforcement officer education

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

Loss Prevention AgentLaw Enforcement Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - BakersfieldPennsylvania State University

Loss prevention agent vs law enforcement officer demographics

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

Loss Prevention AgentLaw Enforcement Officer
Average age3340
Gender ratioMale, 72.8% Female, 27.2%Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7%
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, 13.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 3.1% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between loss prevention agent and law enforcement 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.

Law enforcement officer example responsibilities.

  • Attend NCO leadership school and receive training on how to properly, and effectively manage personnel.
  • Accomplish scheduled and random security checks of control and classify areas to ensure compliance with DOD resource protection guidelines.
  • Develop and manage firearms training programs, including weapons selection and qualification standards.
  • Operate QRV solo, backing up BLS ambulances.
  • Certify in defensive tactics, firearms, driver's training, professional first aid and CPR.
  • DOT and FMCSA regulation enforcement.
  • Show more

Loss prevention agent vs law enforcement 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 law enforcement officer skills
  • Patrol, 26%
  • Public Safety, 10%
  • Emergency Situations, 7%
  • Criminal Justice, 6%
  • CPR, 3%
  • Metal Detectors, 3%

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