Loss prevention personnel may hold an
associate's degree or bachelor's degree in loss prevention or criminal
justice and are responsible for the protection and recovery of business
assets. For students unable to attend a program on campus, online degree
programs in loss prevention or criminal justice are available.
Overview of Online Associate's Degree Programs in Loss Prevention
Loss prevention specialists often have at least an Associate of Applied Science in
Criminal Justice
or Loss Prevention. They are able to work in variety of places, such as
shopping malls, hospitals and theme parks. Loss prevention specialists
are responsible for the monitoring of store merchandise, maintaining of
working security systems and procedures in retail or corporate
environments, writing incident reports and notifying the proper
authorities about losses and related incidents when needed. Further
education may be required for those interested in career advancement to
management positions.
Students will typically devote two years to an associate's degree
program. Students need a computer and Internet access to participate in
online courses. Student work is monitored through a course management
system and communication with instructors and fellow students is
typically conducted by e-mail.
List of Common Courses
Courses in an associate's degree program focus on loss prevention as
well as the broader topic of criminal justice. They cover a variety of
theoretical and practical information, such as criminal investigative
theory, interrogation techniques and the basics of retail security.
Contemporary Theories and Practices in Criminal Investigation Course
This course gives students a thorough overview of contemporary
procedures and theories in criminal investigation and an introduction to
felony-level crime scene investigation. Students develop essential
skills in using scientific detection methods, interviewing witnesses and
persons of interest and surveying a crime scene for possible evidence.
Basics of Interrogation and Interviewing Course
Gleaning pertinent information from witnesses and suspects through
conversation and observation is a crucial ability in loss prevention
work. In addition to practicing interviewing skills, students explore
the legal limits of interrogation and how to deliver courtroom testimony
regarding the results of their investigation. They are also introduced
to interrogation techniques appropriate to certain personality types,
like sociopaths or psychopaths, who may present special interview
circumstances.
Retail Security Practices and Principles Course
Students look at loss prevention from a retail business perspective.
Shoplifting tricks and behaviors are a topic of discussion. Other focal
points are losses attributed to shipping and accounting errors. Students
discuss and formulate possible prevention methods.
Students with an associate's degree may continue their education at
the bachelor's degree level. Some state may have licensing requirements
depending on the career path chosen by graduates of loss prevention and
related degree programs. Background checks are usually a part of the
employment process. The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in its
report on private detectives and investigators, attributes an increase
in global business and use of the Internet in creating a need for more
trained security personnel to deal with new threats, such as copyright
infringement, online harassment and fraudulent e-mail activity (
www.bls.gov).
Overview of Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Loss Prevention
An online Bachelor of Science in Loss Prevention Management prepares
students for careers as loss prevention managers and agents. Loss
prevention managers are intricately involved in the gathering and
analyzing of information, fact verification, and questioning of
individuals involved in incidents of loss or theft. Responsibilities may
include development of corporate loss prevention programs. Loss
prevention agents are responsible for the security and safeguarding of
retail merchandise, the reporting and resolution of breaches of
security, testifying in court when necessary and property inspection.
A bachelor's degree program will typically take up to four years to
complete. A computer and Internet access is required for online
instruction. Online students learn through traditional text-based
lessons and online presentations through a course management system.
Students are able to communicate with instructors and other students
through e-mail, message boards and chat rooms.
List of Common Courses in Loss Prevention
In addition to major-specific courses, students must complete general
education requirements in subjects like English, mathematics and
history. Core course topics cover investigative procedures, biometric
authentication methods, legal issues relevant to loss prevention
activities and asset protection.
Loss Prevention and the Law Course
Students receive a solid background in legal issues concerning loss
prevention. Students learn how to effectively tailor investigations to
different situations and settings as well as the impact business
operations and regulations, civil rights and employment laws on
investigations.
Introduction to Biometric Identity Authentication Methods Course
The use of biometric identity verification in loss prevention and the
benefits and limitations of biometric identification systems are the
focal point of the course. Students learn how technology can be used to
identify a person through distinctive features in a person's voice,
retina, fingerprints, DNA and facial structure.
Human Resource Issues in Loss Prevention Course
Students study loss prevention from a management point of view and
its impact on the corporate management structure. Through the study of
modern and classic management theories, aspiring managers and
supervisors learn successful loss prevention strategies.
In 2009, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that
employment for private detectives and investigators, which generally
includes loss prevention professionals, was expected to rise by 22%
between 2008-2018 (
www.bls.gov). Also in 2009, the median salary
for careers in the field was $47,130 per year. While a bachelor's degree
is usually sufficient for employment, some students continue their
education and obtain a master's degree. Graduates with a degree in loss
prevention are poised to work in a number of locations, including office
buildings, malls, hospitals and government agencies. In the event a
loss prevention job requires carrying firearms, job candidates may be
required to obtain additional education and licensing, although laws
vary by state.
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