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Loss prevention analyst vs criminal investigator

The differences between loss prevention analysts 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 $38,684 average annual salary of a loss prevention analyst.

The top three skills for a loss prevention analyst include loss prevention, customer service and camera surveillance. The most important skills for a criminal investigator are investigative reports, resourcefulness, and firearms.

Loss prevention analyst vs criminal investigator overview

Loss Prevention AnalystCriminal Investigator
Yearly salary$38,684$54,520
Hourly rate$18.60$26.21
Growth rate6%3%
Number of jobs62,6585,131
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age3344
Years of experience--

What does a loss prevention analyst do?

A loss prevention analyst designs and develops loss prevention programs, typically for retail establishments. They are in charge of providing analytical services primarily to avoid or resolve cases of theft and fraud. Among their responsibilities include gathering and analyzing financial and inventory data, inspecting alarm systems and protocols, performing research and analysis to identify the best practices, determining the strengths and weaknesses of current loss prevention techniques, and implementing solutions against vulnerable areas. Furthermore, a loss prevention analyst must maintain an active communication line with managers and loss prevention officers for a smooth and efficient workflow.

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 analyst vs criminal investigator salary

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

Loss Prevention AnalystCriminal Investigator
Average salary$38,684$54,520
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $68,000Between $34,000 And $85,000
Highest paying CityUrban Honolulu, HIWashington, DC
Highest paying stateHawaiiCalifornia
Best paying companyBarclaysNational Railroad Passenger Corporation
Best paying industryFinanceGovernment

Differences between loss prevention analyst and criminal investigator education

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

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

Loss prevention analyst vs criminal investigator demographics

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

Loss Prevention AnalystCriminal Investigator
Average age3344
Gender ratioMale, 67.7% Female, 32.3%Male, 79.7% Female, 20.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 4.2% White, 65.6% 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 analyst and criminal investigator duties and responsibilities

Loss prevention analyst example responsibilities.

  • Manage foreclosure and bankruptcy from inception to completion and mitigate all potential losses within an acceptable range.
  • Ensure that physical security controls (CCTV, EAS, alarm systems) are operating effectively to minimize shrinkage.
  • Monitor CCTV cameras, report and apprehend shop-lifters, and walk around the store to observe anything suspicious.
  • 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.

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 analyst vs criminal investigator skills

Common loss prevention analyst skills
  • Loss Prevention, 24%
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Camera Surveillance, 5%
  • Basic Math, 5%
  • Risk Management, 4%
  • CCTV, 4%
Common criminal investigator skills
  • Investigative Reports, 13%
  • Resourcefulness, 11%
  • Firearms, 11%
  • Treasury, 9%
  • Investigative Techniques, 8%
  • IRS, 6%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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