Loss Prevention Officer Duties & Responsibilities

The role and function of a Loss Prevention Officer includes the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Monitoring public areas for potential threats
  • In some instances, monitoring displays or changing rooms, both of which can provide additional opportunities to steal merchandise
  • Identifying potential thieves or vandals among staff or patrons
  • Uniformed officers may discourage potential thieves or troublemakers
  • Reviewing inventory and stock and investigating suspected pilferage by employees
  • Following and confronting suspected shoplifters
  • Documenting theft and other security violations
  • Working with law enforcement to arrest and prosecute suspected shoplifters and dishonest employees
  • If working in a mall or a retail center, loss prevention officers may also liaise with property security teams
  • More experienced loss prevention officers may also help companies develop security policies

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Loss Prevention Officer duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Loss Prevention Officer roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.