Security Careers: Loss Prevention and Growing Opportunities

Entry-Level Security Careers and Loss Prevention

The security career field is varied, offering people who wish to pursue it roles such as security guard, loss prevention specialist, crossing guard, deputy sheriff, and security management specialist. Some of these roles cross into other fields and require special training as well as a degree, and certain positions require prior experience of at least one year. With that said, the most in-demand and accessible entry-level position in the security career field is loss prevention specialist. Although catching suspected shoplifters can be challenging, the role teaches the person in it how to spot suspected criminal activity and how to properly detain and question criminal suspects.

This kind of job typically requires only a high school diploma and does not demand long-term training. Furthermore, the hours are not long unless the person elects to work at a 24-hour store, in which case they may face long and irregular shifts. Although security guards are in demand, that role sometimes requires training that takes longer than expected, particularly when handling firearms. This training is sometimes paid for by the employer, but not always. Generally, people newly entering the security guard role receive the least desirable shifts, working overnight and sleeping during the day.

With loss prevention, by contrast, one can effectively engage with customers either from a surveillance room or by working the floor while posing as a customer. This offers variety and a degree of excitement — when they catch a perpetrator, staff can proceed through the steps of obtaining a confession, issuing a store ban, and potentially arresting the shoplifter. The role is also generally safer than that of a security guard, since most shoplifters are not prone to violence and act out of opportunity or, in some cases, necessity.

The investigative dimension of loss prevention also allows the person to sharpen detective skills should they wish to pursue a criminal justice career as a deputy or investigator. It provides valuable insight and hands-on experience in handling job responsibilities and dealing with suspected criminals. Some loss prevention specialists go on to work for larger companies, as the chance for promotion increases with the number of cases handled. The need for private security is also on the rise, and employers will hire those who are competent and well-versed in handling potential threats and criminal behavior (Nemeth, 2005, p. 112).

Factors Driving Security Career Growth

Many factors are increasing career opportunities in security. "Among the factors that create inviting career opportunities in security, none is more significant than the explosive growth of the protection function…The events of September 11, 2001 also added to an already healthy growth of the security industry" (Fischer & Green, 2012, p. 39). Three factors contributed to the initial and continued growth within the security job sector.

The first stems from the security re-evaluation that followed the September 11th attacks. This initial wave of demand for security promoted the use of electronic security systems and drove the desire for more security personnel. The second factor was the cost of uninsured losses exceeding the cost of hiring additional security staff, making expanded personnel a financially sound decision. The third factor was economic: "…the recession in the economy put pressure on security executives to cut costs. In 2007 the economy improved and the cost of insurance was once again under control, and companies were investing in the protection of company assets and hiring 'professional' security staff" (Fischer & Green, 2012, p. 40).

Following the 9/11 attacks, people became increasingly fearful, and as the economy declined and a prolonged recession set in, more individuals turned to criminal activity they would not otherwise have pursued. Coupled with affordable, easy-to-install surveillance technology offering around-the-clock monitoring, companies needed additional security personnel to staff surveillance stations and respond to suspicious behavior.