A store detective is employed to deter and detect theft in retail outlets . The term is no longer frequently used in the retail industry. More common terms today with major retailers are Loss Prevention Agent, Detective or Investigator and Asset Protection Officer or Investigator. Special Officer, once common, is now rarely used, as few jurisdictions still allow it.

Overview

Store detectives may be self-employed on a contract basis but most are employees of the retailer, of a security

Security

Security is the degree of protection against danger, damage, loss, and crime. Security as a form of protection are structures and processes that provide or improve security as a condition. The Institute for Security and Open Methodologies in the OSSTMM 3 defines security as "a form of protection...

 firm with an outsourcing

Outsourcing

Outsourcing is the process of contracting a business function to someone else.-Overview:The term outsourcing is used inconsistently but usually involves the contracting out of a business function - commonly one previously performed in-house - to an external provider...

 arrangement with the retailer, or of an agency with a similar agreement.

The job involves patrolling stores in the role of an ordinary shopper, watching for shoplifters. The detective follows any shopper behaving suspiciously, and keeps records of such observations. The key difference between a store detective and a security guard

Security guard

A security guard is a person who is paid to protect property, assets, or people. Security guards are usually privately and formally employed personnel...

 is that the former's role is covert. If they observe an individual shoplifting, they may prevent them from leaving the store until the merchandise is returned or paid for. Alternatively they may also decide to arrest/temporarily detain a shoplifter - until law enforcement arrives at a retail outlet so as the suspect is dealt with in accordance with the law.

Most stores require their detectives to have stable work histories and no criminal record. Common backgrounds include the armed services, fire & rescue services, security and policing. In the UK, distance learning courses in store detection are offered by The Security Industry Training Organisation. Training in Security Studies

Security Studies

This article refers to the discipline within the field of International Relations. For the study of security management see security management studiesSecurity Studies is an academic sub-field of the wider discipline of International Relations...

is available from numerous training providers - at various levels.

Additional Responsibilities of the Store Detective

Many retail companies assign the task of investigating check and credit card fraud 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 also assign the Store Detective the task of searching employee lockers and bags at random.