47:) and reduce shrink in retail outlets. They do this by patrolling the store in plain clothes looking to identify members of the public who are stealing from the store. More common terms today with major retailers are loss prevention agent, detective or investigator and asset protection officer. Special officer, once common, is now rarely used, as it is typically denotes some form of
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The job involves patrolling stores in the role of an ordinary shopper, watching for shoplifters. The detective observes any shopper behaving suspiciously and keeps a mental record of such observations. The objective of the store detective is to observe a complete crime taking place. They achieve this
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It is standard practice that stores require their detectives to have stable work histories and no criminal record. Common backgrounds include the armed services, fire and rescue services, security and policing. In the UK, distance learning courses in store detection are offered by many organizations
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Most store detectives are unarmed but are trained in arrest and restraint techniques. Some also carry covert microphone and earpieces attached to a radio (sometimes radio-linked to shopping centres and other retail establishments) in order to effectively monitor suspected shoplifters as they move
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is that the former's role is covert. If they observe an individual shoplifting, they may detain them as they attempt to exit the store or apprehend the suspect(s) during the theft. Laws vary greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction regarding what constitutes the crime of shoplifting and how a
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activity as well as employee theft activity to the store detective. They work closely with law enforcement on such cases whether it is on the local, state or federal level. Companies sometimes also assign the store detective the task of searching employee lockers and bags at random.
163:, most Store Detectives are routinely issued slash-proof gloves and handcuffs. However, most provinces require an individual to have special handcuff training and an endorsement on their security license such as in British Columbia.
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Typically store detectives in retail are commonly known either as loss prevention or asset protection. Management and field investigator functions also exist commonly within the loss prevention/asset protection sector of retail.
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by observing a shoplifter approaching an item, appropriating the item (picking it up), concealing the item (not always) and leaving the store having not paid for said item. The key difference between a store detective and a
152:. An ability to blend in with other shoppers in a variety of shopping environments is also key. They usually have a clear understanding of the law as it applies to their role depending on jurisdiction.
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A store detective has several techniques that they use to detect shoplifters. Keen observational skills is the primary weapon alongside good teamwork with security guards and the use of
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is available from numerous training providers – at various levels. In the US, many states require store detectives to be licensed security officers.
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Store detectives may be self-employed on a contract basis but most are employees of the retailer, or of a
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and the store detective must be in receipt of an SIA (Security
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Store detectives are still very common and are used in almost all locations of
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arrangement with the retailer, or of an agency with a similar agreement.
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whose main role is to prevent and detect theft (commonly known as
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Many retail companies assign the task of investigating check and
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suspect may be detained/arrested. In Canada, detectives may
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laws that allow the arrest and detainment of shoplifters.
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the individual utilizing powers given to them by the
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16:Plainclothes worker in retail loss prevention
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144:Techniques and tools of the trade
233:Protective service occupations
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205:. National Careers Service.
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127:Additional responsibilities
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37:Asset Protection Specialist
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49:law enforcement authority
33:Loss Prevention Detective
178:Retail loss prevention
113:shopkeeper's privilege
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29:undercover shopper
203:"Store detective"
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82:Overview
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60:Walmart
161:Canada
105:arrest
68:Macy's
56:Target
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228:Theft
150:CCTV
159:In
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