Store detective vs loss prevention analyst

The differences between store detectives and loss prevention analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a loss prevention analyst has an average salary of $38,684, 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 loss prevention analyst are loss prevention, customer service, and camera surveillance.

Store detective vs loss prevention analyst overview

	Store Detective	Loss Prevention Analyst
Yearly salary	$32,824	$38,684
Hourly rate	$15.78	$18.60
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	67,322	62,658
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Average age	44	33
Years of experience	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 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.

Store detective vs loss prevention analyst salary

Store detectives and loss prevention analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Store Detective	Loss Prevention Analyst
Average salary	$32,824	$38,684
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $41,000	Between $21,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	-	Urban Honolulu, HI
Highest paying state	-	Hawaii
Best paying company	-	Barclays
Best paying industry	-	Finance

Differences between store detective and loss prevention analyst education

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

	Store Detective	Loss Prevention Analyst
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	California State University - Bakersfield

Store detective vs loss prevention analyst demographics

Here are the differences between store detectives' and loss prevention analysts' demographics:

	Store Detective	Loss Prevention Analyst
Average age	44	33
Gender ratio	Male, 73.9% Female, 26.1%	Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3%
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, 8.3% Unknown, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 4.2% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	8%	7%

Differences between store detective and loss prevention analyst 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.

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.

Store detective vs loss prevention analyst skills

Common store detective skills

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

Common loss prevention analyst skills

Loss Prevention, 24%
Customer Service, 18%
Camera Surveillance, 5%
Basic Math, 5%
Risk Management, 4%
CCTV, 4%

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Store Detective
Store Detective vs Loss Prevention Analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

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