Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Loss Prevention Officer
A Loss Prevention Officer is a professional who plays a crucial role in safeguarding the assets and preventing theft or other losses within an organization. They are responsible for implementing security measures, conducting investigations, and ensuring the overall safety of personnel and property. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Loss Prevention Officers.
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Main Responsibilities of a Loss Prevention Officer
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Loss Prevention Officer:
Accommodate
Accommodate all guest requests courteously.
Adhere to
Adhere to policies and procedures and maintain high ethical standards.
Adhere to schedules and promptly feedback concerns regarding any aspects of the project.
Administer
Administer first aid / CPR in accordance to guidelines and comply with all departmental procedures.
Analyze
Analyze the weekly shrinkage reports and put proactive measures in place to improve loss.
Answer
Answer phones in security office.
Answer the departmental telephone within 3 rings, using proper salutations and telephone etiquette.
Apprehend
Apprehend shoplifters in accordance with guidelines.
Apprehend individuals engaged in theft activity when prevention is not effective.
Assist
Assist guests and employees during emergency situations.
Assist in the development and implementation of emergency response plans.
Assist with resolving technical issues and fixing bugs.
Attend
Attend and participate in meetings as required.
Attend regular reviews of artwork and assist in both providing and implementing feedback.
Attend training sessions and workshops to enhance knowledge and skills.
Carry out
Carry out nigh patrols and report potentially dangerous plant readings.
Carry out patrols and report potentially dangerous plant readings.
Challenge
Challenge suspicious persons on hotel property in accordance with departmental procedures.
Collaborate with
Collaborate with law enforcement agencies when necessary.
Collaborate with store management to address security concerns.
Communicate
Communicate by radio with designated hotel personnel in accordance with hotel standards.
Communicate specified information to EMS / medical personnel as required.
Complete
Complete all paperwork and closing duties before leaving.
Complete a Loss Prevention shift summary / daily activity report.
Complete and compile necessary evidence and paperwork in a timely and professional manner.
Complete documented reports in accordance with departmental procedures.
Complete incident reports to document all Security / Loss Prevention related incidents.
Complete required shift reports and maintain confidentiality of all loss prevention documents.
Complete safety training and certifications.
Complete the first iteration of our sales playbook.
Conduct
Conduct audits to ensure compliance with security protocols.
Conduct background checks on employees and potential hires.
Conduct employee locker audits as assigned.
Conduct internal and external investigations related to theft or fraud.
Conduct interviews with relevant parties.
Conduct investigations and gather evidence.
Conduct investigations, gather evidence, and facilitate interviews with relevant parties.
Conduct regular patrols to deter theft and vandalism.
Conduct risk assessments and develop security plans.
Contact
Contact and communicate emergencies to relevant persons / department.
Control
Control access and egress of contractors and visitors.
Control access to building.
Coordinate
Coordinate emergency situations as specified in departmental manual.
Coordinate towing of vehicles as specified in department procedures.
Coordinate with other loss prevention professionals to share best practices.
Defuse
Defuse guest disturbances and escort individuals from the property if necessary.
Develop
Develop and implement strategies to minimize losses.
Develop and maintain knowledge and use of CCTV surveillance equipment.
Diffuse
Diffuse guest and / or employee disturbances.
Document
Document all pertinent information in the log book daily.
Document all violations and communicate with Store Manager and Loss Prevention management.
Document and prepare incident reports as required.
Document, organize and store all lost and found items given to Security.
Engage
Engage in effective dialogue with LP Supervisor, DLPM, and Store Management team.
Ensure
Ensure all guest room doors are secured.
Ensure all monthly Axis / Client KPI's are met and action any issues raised.
Ensure uniform and personal appearance are clean and professional.
Enter
Enter and locate work-related information using computers and / or point of sale systems.
Escalate
Escalate any issues of concern or risk to the relevant management.
Follow
Follow and understand all documentation procedures and SOPs to GMP standards.
Follow quality assurance expectations and standards.
Foster
Foster a positive and proactive security culture within the organization.
Fulfill
Fulfill all requirements of Guest Safety Officer.
Generate
Generate your first leads.
Handle
Handle deliveries received during non-business hours following hotel procedures.
Help
Help recruit additional team members to accelerate our growth.
Help run and create games which bring joy to millions of players all over the world.
Identify
Identify and apprehend individuals involved in illegal activities.
Identify and report merchandise or stock shortages.
Identify and report safety concerns to maintain a safe shopping and working environment.
Identify vulnerabilities in security systems and propose improvements.
Implement
Implement and enforce company policies and procedures.
Implement and promotes store awareness programs addressing theft, safety and operational controls.
Induct
Induct new visitors to site with health and safety induction.
Inform
Inform Supervisor and Store Management of shortage control opportunities.
Initiate
Initiate and follow-up with all investigations of crimes committed against property and persons.
Inspect
Inspect buildings, equipment, or access points to determine security risks.
Investigate
Investigate and resolve various fraud and theft cases.
Investigate duress alarms and comply with respective procedures.
Lead
Lead, develop and maintain standards of all loss prevention officers in store.
Liaise with
Liaise with vendors and contractors to enhance security measures.
Maintain
Maintain all apprehension and investigation records according to our standards.
Maintain a working knowledge of the store's alarm system and EAS system.
Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
Maintain confidentiality and release information only to authorized individuals.
Maintain confidentiality of all Security and hotel reports / documents.
Maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive guest or associate issues.
Maintain documentation or reports on security-related incidents or investigations.
Maintain good communication with all departments.
Maintain good personal hygiene and cleanliness of uniform.
Make
Make arrests in compliance with legal and hotel requirements.
Manage
Manage agency relationships as needed to scale the demand generation function.
Manage, build, and mentor a team of marketers.
Monitor
Monitor and maintain a safe and secure environment.
Monitor and patrol premises to detect and locate suspected shoplifters.
Monitor cameras and access controls at all times.
Monitor / distribute visitor and vender access to the property by distributing visitor badges.
Monitor employee behavior to detect signs of internal theft.
Monitor security cameras and respond to alarms.
Monitor security feeds and conduct daily physical hazard inspections.
Monitor surveillance cameras and alarm systems.
Monitor surveillance cameras as assigned.
Notify
Notify appropriate individuals in the event of accidents, attacks or other incidents.
Observe
Observe and report activities and incidents.
Participate in
Participate in an annual Tuberculosis screening and / or other screenings when necessary.
Participate in the development of loss prevention programs.
Patrol
Patrol all areas of the property and assist guests with room access.
Patrol all areas of the property, and lock / unlock property entrances as required.
Patrol hotel property to ensure the safety of guests and employees and to protect all hotel assets.
Perform
Perform frequent bag checks for associates leaving the property.
Perform inventory checks and reconcile discrepancies.
Prepare
Prepare detailed reports on incidents and maintain accurate records.
Prepare work orders for maintenance repairs and submit to Engineering.
Prevent
Prevent and detect shoplifting and theft in retail establishments.
Produce
Produce efficient UV layouts with consideration towards texel density.
Produce excellent observational and communication skills.
Produce high quality artwork in a variety of pre-defined art styles.
Promote
Promote positive relations with guests and employees alike.
Provide
Provide coaching to Artists and Associate Artists where appropriate.
Provide escorts for employees in accordance with departmental standards.
Provide excellent customer service while ensuring security measures are upheld.
Provide interdepartmental assistance upon request to ensure optimum service to guests.
Provide legible communication and directions.
Provide security service for banquet functions / meeting rooms as assigned.
Provide support and guidance to other staff members regarding security matters.
Provide tutorials and technical guides to improve efficiency in the art pipeline.
Recommend
Recommend methods to reduce potential financial fraud losses.
Record
Record daily activities and complete incident reports.
Release
Release information only to authorized individuals.
Report
Report all incidents of unsafe store conditions and associate conduct.
Report any observations and findings to Guest Safety Dispatch.
Report to scenes of guest or employee fighting and follow designated procedures.
Represent
Represent the store in a positive manner.
Resolve
Resolve safety hazard situations.
Respond to
Respond and act when a crime is observed through proper protocols.
Respond to accidents and assist guests / employees during emergency situations.
Respond to accidents and contact EMS or coordinate first aid / CPR as required.
Respond to critical incidents, such as catastrophic events, violent weather, or civil disorders.
Respond to electronic article surveillance alarms.
Respond to emergencies and provide immediate assistance.
Respond to the scene of guest / employee accident promptly.
Review
Review and analyze security-related data to identify patterns and trends.
Review department log records and be familiar with pertinent information relevant to the daily shift.
Review hotel status and any follow-up actions with oncoming Security Officer.
Review the hotel status and follow up actions with the previous shift officer.
Setup
Setup dynamic lighting, post effects and basic scene animation using various editors.
Stay updated on
Stay updated on current trends and advancements in loss prevention technology.
Submit
Submit documented reports of observations and activities.
Supervise
Supervise the loss prevention team and ensure everyone is up to the expected standard desired.
Take
Take appropriate action to prevent theft.
Take immediate action to remedy any imminent safety hazard.
Test
Test and evaluate the effectiveness of security systems.
Train
Train employees on loss prevention strategies and best practices.
Travel
Travel for training and support at other company owned locations may be required.
Travel to a large number of retail stores within Edmonton, Alberta.
Uniform
Uniform and relevant training will be provided.
Use
Use of Force / Handcuffing Certification preferred.
Use of force training is required.
Welcome
Welcome and host visitors to site liaising with reception and site staff.
Work with
Work closely with sales leadership to ensure feedback loops are in place to monitor lead quality.
Work closely with the leadership team who live by the value of BE BETTER EVERYDAY.
Work on a plan to get us to a £1M ARR run rate by 31st October 2021.
Work with Art leads and other artists to ensure consistency between initial vision and final assets.
Work with marketing to develop sales enablement collateral for different stages of the sales journey.
Work with outside agencies (i.e. sheriff) cooperatively and follow established hotel regulations.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Loss Prevention Officer:
Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting security systems, including CCTV cameras, access control systems, and alarm systems.
Knowledge of investigative techniques and evidence collection.
Familiarity with emergency response procedures and first aid.
Understanding of retail operations and inventory management.
Ability to interpret and analyze data from security systems and reports.
Experience with conducting interviews and interrogations.
Proficiency in using computer software and databases for record-keeping and report writing.
Understanding of legal and regulatory requirements related to loss prevention.
Knowledge of fire safety codes and procedures.
Ability to handle and operate surveillance equipment effectively.
Familiarity with electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems.
Proficiency in conducting covert surveillance operations.
Knowledge of crowd management and conflict resolution techniques.
Understanding of fraud prevention and detection methods.
Proficiency in using handheld security devices like metal detectors and X-ray machines.
Knowledge of inventory tracking systems and RFID technology.
Experience with evidence handling and chain of custody protocols.
Understanding of security risk assessment methodologies.
Proficiency in using specialized software for data analysis and incident tracking.
Knowledge of loss prevention strategies specific to different industries.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Loss Prevention Officer:
Strong observation and attention to detail.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure.
Effective conflict management and de-escalation skills.
High level of integrity and ethical conduct.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Adaptability and flexibility to handle changing situations.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with diverse individuals.
Customer service orientation while maintaining security protocols.
Conclusion
The role of a Loss Prevention Officer is vital in protecting an organization's assets and ensuring a safe environment. The responsibilities range from implementing security measures to conducting investigations and collaborating with stakeholders. The most in-demand hard skills include technical knowledge of security systems, investigative techniques, and familiarity with industry-specific practices. Additionally, soft skills such as observation, communication, problem-solving, and ethical conduct are crucial for success in this role.
