A Store Detective is employed to work in a retail outlet, specifically in larger chains and shopping centres, to deter and prevent any actions of theft within their given jurisdiction.
The term 'store detective' is becoming less used in the retail industry to describe someone that protects a store from thieves. Although it is still the most common term used, many stores are now adopted new terms such as Loss Prevention Agent, Detective or Investigator and Asset Protection Officer or Investigator.
Special officer was once quite a common term to be used as well, but more recently it is rarely used except in those jurisdictions that still allow it.
Hiring Shop Detectives
A store detective may be employed in one of many ways. Predominantly store detectives are employed by the company to which they are assigned to protect from theft, and are given a specific uniform and other such benefits.
Sometimes a company will have an outsourcing arrangement with a Security Company who will send their staff to work in the desired location. However, it is also possible to find self-employed store detectives, who are hired by a company via a contract.
How Shop Detectives Help
A shop detectives job involves patrolling the store to which they are employed, often in casual clothing, and to keep an eye out for potential thieves and shop lifters, as well as those that cause other problems that may inflict danger onto either the staff or other shoppers.
The store detective will follow any shopper they think to be suspicious and keep a detailed record of all actions they perceive.
It is worth noting that the key difference between a Security Guard and a store detective is that a store detective will remain inconspicuous, whereas security guards have a specific uniform and are clearly distinguishable.
Some other activities that a store detective may hold in common with security guard include the ability to detain and search any potential suspect of a crime in their jurisdiction.
This also involves calling the police whilst the captive is detained, taking any statements from a witness, attending the questioning of the suspect and even giving evidence in court after a conviction.