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Loss prevention agent vs patrol officer

The differences between loss prevention agents and patrol officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a loss prevention agent has an average salary of $36,455, which is higher than the $35,621 average annual salary of a patrol officer.

The top three skills for a loss prevention agent include loss prevention, store management and sales floor. The most important skills for a patrol officer are patrol, customer service, and public safety.

Loss prevention agent vs patrol officer overview

Loss Prevention AgentPatrol Officer
Yearly salary$36,455$35,621
Hourly rate$17.53$17.13
Growth rate6%3%
Number of jobs103,534123,265
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
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 patrol officer do?

The job of patrol officers is to enforce ordinances, laws, prevent crime, control crowds, arrest violators, and regulate traffic. They also perform other duties that may include monitoring an assigned area for unauthorized or suspicious activity, responding to reports of emergencies and possible crime such as robberies, and building good relationships with community members. To be a successful patrol officer, you should have solid judgment, excellent communication skills, and decision-making skills in stressful situations.

Loss prevention agent vs patrol officer salary

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

Loss Prevention AgentPatrol Officer
Average salary$36,455$35,621
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $62,000Between $27,000 And $46,000
Highest paying CityUrban Honolulu, HISeattle, WA
Highest paying stateVirginiaNorth Dakota
Best paying companyComplianceMount St. Mary's University
Best paying industryRetailGovernment

Differences between loss prevention agent and patrol officer education

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

Loss Prevention AgentPatrol Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - BakersfieldCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Loss prevention agent vs patrol officer demographics

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

Loss Prevention AgentPatrol Officer
Average age3340
Gender ratioMale, 72.8% Female, 27.2%Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1%
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, 12.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 3.5% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between loss prevention agent and patrol 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.

Patrol officer example responsibilities.

  • Manage surveillance of DUI traffic offenders in Jacksonville
  • Report and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.
  • Enforce NYS racing guidelines state, rules and regulations.
  • Protect life and property at the largest regional aviation facility in NYS.
  • Provide emergency medical assistance as a first responder.
  • Utilize security vehicle to patrol all residential areas and parking lot ensuring resident safety.
  • Show more

Loss prevention agent vs patrol 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 patrol officer skills
  • Patrol, 48%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Public Safety, 7%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 5%
  • Emergency Situations, 5%
  • Incident Reports, 2%

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