Store detective vs lead investigator

The differences between store detectives and lead investigators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a store detective and a lead investigator. Additionally, a lead investigator has an average salary of $60,060, which is higher than the $32,824 average annual salary of a store detective.

The top three skills for a store detective include store management, cash handling and CCTV. The most important skills for a lead investigator are law enforcement agencies, background investigations, and data analysis.

Store detective vs lead investigator overview

	Store Detective	Lead Investigator
Yearly salary	$32,824	$60,060
Hourly rate	$15.78	$28.88
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	67,322	21,299
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	6	6

What does a store detective do?

Store detectives are security professionals who are hired by store or business owners to prevent the act of shoplifting. These detectives must conduct surveillance through CCTV to apprehend shoplifters and dishonest employees who committed theft within the store. They must work closely with local law enforcement and store management to prevent retail theft as well as report those offenders. Security detectives must also monitor employee and public activity by implementing a theft prevention system to protect company assets.

What does a lead investigator do?

Lead investigators are responsible for gathering information from both eyewitnesses and suspects. They have to untangle the crime scene for possible clues like DNA, fingerprints, physical evidence, and more. They document the scene by taking photos or by using Leica scanners to capture every detail of the crime scene. Also, they take evidence, processed them, preserve records, and then present the evidence to courts. Additionally, they, at times, procure supplies and items essential for an investigation like identifications apparatus. Lead investigators must know the state, federal, and local laws regarding police operations, investigative procedures as well as evidence safekeeping and demolition.

Store detective vs lead investigator salary

Store detectives and lead investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Store Detective	Lead Investigator
Average salary	$32,824	$60,060
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $41,000	Between $31,000 And $113,000
Highest paying City	-	South San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	-	Delaware
Best paying company	-	BNY Mellon
Best paying industry	-	Pharmaceutical

Differences between store detective and lead investigator education

There are a few differences between a store detective and a lead investigator in terms of educational background:

	Store Detective	Lead Investigator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	California State University - Bakersfield

Store detective vs lead investigator demographics

Here are the differences between store detectives' and lead investigators' demographics:

	Store Detective	Lead Investigator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 73.9% Female, 26.1%	Male, 68.6% Female, 31.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.8% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 4.7% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 4.6% White, 57.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between store detective and lead investigator duties and responsibilities

Store detective example responsibilities.

Manage foreclosure and bankruptcy from inception to completion and mitigate all potential losses within an acceptable range.
Patrol and secure perimeter of the facility and grounds.
Keep vigilant patrol over the store's sales areas to ensure a safe shopping experience for customers.
Conduct daily surveillance using CCTV system and undercover observation.
Initiate and conduct investigations concerning illegal narcotics and firearms trafficking and perform official duty as an undercover operative during those investigations.
Conduct safety and EAS audits.

Lead investigator example responsibilities.

Manage corporate-wide document production relative to complex litigation cases.
Require to testify at court appearances in response to research pertaining to various types of subpoenas.
Develop procedures for and review incoming referrals from internal departments and subpoenas to determine if a full investigation are warranted.
Ensure effective prioritization of investigation through supervision and monitor & review investigative activity and outcomes using CCTV & by running reports.
Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
Generate records by interrogatories or name, date of birth and social security number.

Store detective vs lead investigator skills

Common store detective skills

Store Management, 25%
Cash Handling, 21%
CCTV, 19%
Sales Floor, 8%
Law Enforcement Officials, 5%
Financial Crimes, 4%

Common lead investigator skills

Law Enforcement Agencies, 9%
Background Investigations, 9%
Data Analysis, 8%
Corrective Action, 8%
Criminal Justice, 7%
Loss Prevention, 7%

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Protective Service Industry
Store Detective
Store Detective vs Lead Investigator

Updated January 8, 2025

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