How To Become a Loss Prevention Associate (With Steps and Skills)

Updated June 24, 2022

Many retail stores employ loss prevention associates, and some have an entire team to protect company assets. These security professionals look after a store's inventory, customers and employees and monitor activity to keep it safe. If you are observant and have good interpersonal skills, considering a career in loss prevention can be a rewarding experience or the first step toward other security and law enforcement career paths. In this article, we explore what a loss prevention associate is, what their duties and responsibilities are, the skills needed and the steps to take to become one.

What is a loss prevention associate?

A loss prevention associate is a security professional who protects people, money, merchandise and equipment by preventing theft, vandalism and other illegal activity in or on store property. They support companies from losing revenue because of theft and keep customers and staff safe by reacting to emergency or security situations. As a loss prevention associate, you are sometimes undercover patrolling the store or are in company uniform to deter, investigate and stop shoplifters. You can apprehend suspects in this position, though you likely are unarmed and would alert law enforcement authorities when situations warrant it.Other job titles of a loss prevention associate can include:

Asset protection associate
Loss prevention officer
Loss prevention specialist
Retail asset protection specialist
Retail loss prevention specialist

What does a loss prevention associate do?

Loss prevention associates are on constant alert and watch customers and employees in a store or business to detect suspicious behavior or theft. You may be out on the floor deterring potential shoplifters with your presence or observing through closed-circuit television cameras in a back office. You focus most of your duties on loss prevention, though you can also provide a safe shopping and work experience by spotting unusual or threatening behavior or helping with emergency situations.Here are some examples of duties and responsibilities for a loss prevention associate:

Watch people and public areas for unusual activity or potential threats.
Monitor security cameras, alarms and radio correspondence.
Approach or apprehend potential shoplifters.
Collaborate with law enforcement to detain suspects.
Write reports to document theft, security violations and other events.
Testify in court cases.
Audit departments within stores.
Review shrinkage rates or loss of merchandise.
Train staff on loss prevention strategies and observation techniques.
Establish security methods, policies or procedures to deter losses.

How to become a loss prevention associate

Here are six steps you can follow as a guide to gaining employment as a loss prevention associate:

1. Graduate high school

A high school diploma or a GED equivalent may be the minimum education requirement for most entry-level loss prevention associate positions, though some employers do not have specific education requirements.

2. Consider higher education

To be a competitive candidate in the retail loss prevention industry, consider an associate degree or a bachelor's degree, especially if you are interested in career advancement. Higher education degrees may lead to supervisor positions, management roles or increasing responsibilities and salaries throughout your career. These degrees are also useful to move to other parts of the security industry.

3. Apply for positions

Start your career as a loss prevention associate by applying for positions in retail stores, shopping malls, grocery stores and warehouses. You can work full- or part-time in this position, which can be a helpful way to gain experience while completing a degree.Related: 35 Retail Interview Questions to Know Before Your Interview (With Example Answers)

4. Undergo a background check

During the job interview process, you may undergo a background check before being offered a position. Background checks are common for many types of employment, and especially for security fields. Companies and employers select the criteria, though most checks review your education, employment, credit history, criminal record and motor vehicle and license records.

5. Get trained

You receive extensive on-the-job training for almost every loss prevention position since priorities, policies and procedures can vary by company or store. Expect to train before, while on the job and annually to refresh or learn new material, even if you have previous experience as a loss prevention associate.Common training for the role can include:

Shoplifting deterrent methods
Report writing
Basic first aid
Emergency or crisis response
Communication skills
Restraint methods

Most on-the-job training requires you to work alongside a more experienced loss prevention associate or manager to learn the day-to-day routines and duties. You might follow one colleague for a short or extended time, or follow several coworkers before working on the floor unsupervised.

6. Advance your career

There are several ways to advance your career as a loss prevention associate, including moving to higher-paying roles within a company or seeking new positions with other employers. You can gain more experience, educational degrees or join organizations for professionals in the loss prevention field to grow your network, attend conferences or stay up-to-date with industry news and opportunities. Examples of professional associations for loss prevention include:

Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF)
Loss Prevention Industry Professionals Association (LPIPA)

Skills of a loss prevention associate

Loss prevention associates need a variety of skills to perform their daily tasks. Skills that can be helpful in the role include:

Observation: Watching customers and identifying suspicious behavior is a key part of being a loss prevention associate. You look for unusual behavior or theft and react with the best course of action.
Patience and physical stamina: You stand on your feet for several hours as a loss prevention associate, and staying free of distractions can help you stay focused on observing people and their behavior.
Customer service: Answering customer questions or giving directions is common when you spend time on the store sales floor, so a friendly personality and good customer service skills are helpful.
Communication: Strong verbal communication skills help you interact with fellow store employees, supervisors and managers, and you keep them up-to-date with risks, incidents and suspicious activity.
Control: Having an authoritative demeanor with a compassionate approach works well for loss prevention. You calmly confront individuals, keep your composure during challenging situations, and are always alert and aware.
Electronics: Experience with basic electronics is helpful as a loss prevention associate. You watch closed-circuit television (CCTV) video surveillance and use portable radio receivers to talk with colleagues in other areas to coordinate and report activity.

Work environment of a loss prevention associate

As a loss prevention associate, you typically work in retail and department stores and shifts for the team provide coverage to match the store hours. This may mean early mornings, late nights, overnight shifts, weekends and holidays. You interact with customers, supervisors and coworkers, and you delegate tasks.

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Salary of a loss prevention associate

A loss prevention associate or officer earns $46,372 per year, though wages can vary based on title, company, location or level of experience. Since loss prevention jobs are in the retail industry, the economy may influence the outlook for these positions.

Loss prevention personnel