Many security & loss prevention workers can be found in retail, protecting anything from diamonds to discount clothing. The main responsibility of these professionals, also known as store detectives, is safeguarding against shoplifting, but job duties can also include inspecting warehouses or stocking areas, preparing reports for management and collaborating with law enforcement to prosecute alleged shoplifters. Related careers can be found in casinos, armored cars and hotels.
Training in security & loss prevention
Security & loss prevention courses can give you the facts on standard procedures, local law and other requirements of the job. Training may lead to a certificate or associate degree. For those who wish to pursue higher-level positions, such as police work or forensic investigation, a homeland security, criminal justice or similar bachelor's degree may be required. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most private detectives and investigators have some college education, and courses in criminal justice and police science are helpful.
While the BLS doesn't have specific data on security & loss prevention careers and wages, it does note that private detectives and investigators--including security and loss prevention specialists--earned mean annual wages of $47,830 in 2010. The 1,550 private detectives and investigators working in management for companies and enterprises in 2010 had mean annual wages of $48,950 or mean hourly wages of $23.53. Security careers are poised to see healthy job growth through 2018.