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Loss prevention specialist vs detention officer

The differences between loss prevention specialists and detention officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a loss prevention specialist has an average salary of $47,451, which is higher than the $40,087 average annual salary of a detention officer.

The top three skills for a loss prevention specialist include customer service, safety program and store management. The most important skills for a detention officer are detention facility, direct supervision, and booking.

Loss prevention specialist vs detention officer overview

Loss Prevention SpecialistDetention Officer
Yearly salary$47,451$40,087
Hourly rate$22.81$19.27
Growth rate6%-10%
Number of jobs59,094116,529
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Average age4940
Years of experience4-

What does a loss prevention specialist do?

A loss prevention specialist is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the store premises from shoplifters and even from employees' suspicious activities. Loss prevention specialists manage the installation of surveillance devices, monitor the daily store operations, and track business and financial transactions from the database. They also coordinate with law enforcement personnel for investigation on theft cases and other related retail complications. A loss prevention specialist must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills, especially on preparing incident reports and apprehending violators.

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 specialist vs detention officer salary

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

Loss Prevention SpecialistDetention Officer
Average salary$47,451$40,087
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $87,000Between $29,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateHawaiiHawaii
Best paying companyBooz Allen HamiltonBering Straits
Best paying industryAutomotiveInsurance

Differences between loss prevention specialist and detention officer education

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

Loss Prevention SpecialistDetention Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Bakersfield-

Loss prevention specialist vs detention officer demographics

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

Loss Prevention SpecialistDetention Officer
Average age4940
Gender ratioMale, 72.0% Female, 28.0%Male, 61.0% Female, 39.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 1.2% White, 71.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.8%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 Percentage18%6%

Differences between loss prevention specialist and detention officer duties and responsibilities

Loss prevention specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage foreclosure and bankruptcy from inception to completion and mitigate all potential losses within an acceptable range.
  • Maintain all aspects of store security, including motion cameras and EAS security systems.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of the store's alarm system and EAS system.
  • Conduct internal investigations base on POS exceptions reports, known shortages or confidential tips/leads.
  • Review surveillance footage, POS data, and video of clients operations for theft and operational deficiencies.
  • Patrol areas need by management to watch out and see if there is any attempting to steal within the store.
  • Show more

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.
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Loss prevention specialist vs detention officer skills

Common loss prevention specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 48%
  • Safety Program, 15%
  • Store Management, 12%
  • CCTV, 3%
  • Criminal Justice, 3%
  • Emergency Situations, 2%
Common detention officer skills
  • Detention Facility, 14%
  • Direct Supervision, 13%
  • Booking, 11%
  • Law Enforcement, 10%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Security Checks, 4%

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