Store detectives are employed to minimise shoplifting. They use their observational skills to identify the signs of attempted theft. Detectives often work in plain clothes and as part of a team of security officers.

Their duties can include:

• following shoppers who behave suspiciously
• carrying out searches of suspects
• calling the police and describing observations
• taking evidence from witnesses
• writing short reports
• occasionally giving evidence in court.

Store detectives have the power to detain anyone attempting to leave the premises with stolen goods. They may also be involved in preventing the use of stolen credit cards.

There are various kinds of technology to assist store detectives in their work. The most common being two-way radios, loop alarms, mirrors, electronic tags on goods, and closed circuit television (CCTV).

Hours and Environment

As a store detective you will often work long hours, including evenings and weekends. Shift work is sometimes necessary, depending on the opening hours of the store.

Temporary and seasonal work is frequently available.

This work is carried out indoors, and involves a lot of walking and standing.

Skills and Interests

To be a store detective, you should:

• be mature, responsible and honest
• have good observational skills
• have strong spoken and written communicating skills
• be able to handle sensitive situations
• have a polite and helpful attitude
• be physically fit
• have the confidence to challenge or tackle people when necessary
• be able to deal with modern surveillance systems such as CCTV and electronic tags
• have the ability to use initiative and make quick decisions.

Entry

You do not usually need to have formal academic qualifications to start work in this area, however, a good general standard of education would be helpful. Some store detectives need to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Check the Training section for details. 

Previous experience working with the police, armed forces or security companies will be useful, and many people move into store detective work as a second career.

Many companies will carry out a check on your personal and work history for up to ten years, and you will need to declare any criminal convictions.

You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Training

As a store detective you may need to hold a licence. This currently depends on whether you are an employee or a contractor.

Employee, working in-house
As a store detective directly employed to carry out duties for your employer, on premises managed and operated by your employer (not contracted out to a customer), you do not need to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). In this instance, you are an employee, working in-house. Licensing in this area is under review.

Contractor, working for a third-party
As a store detective employed by a contractor or agency to work for a third-party or customer of that agency, you need an SIA front-line licence. To qualify for this you need:

• to be aged 18 or over
• to pass an identity check and a criminal record check
• to have completed relevant SIA approved training.

Approved SIA training takes around four days, and can be completed before you begin work or as part of your initial induction when you start in your first post. If you already have a security qualification you may be exempt from part of the course. Check the SIA website in Further Information, for details of approved training providers. Many employers will provide additional on-the-job training, working alongside experienced security officers.

CCTV operation
If you use CCTV equipment as part of your work, you are likely to need an additional SIA licence. Check the SIA website for more details (see Further Information).

Additional training
As a store detective, you can work towards NVQs/SVQs at levels 2 and 3 in subjects such as Providing Security Services, and Investigations. Another relevant qualification is the BTEC Award in Security Operations.

Skills for Security runs a range of courses relevant to the security industry, including the level two Security Practitioner Training Programme. For details check their website listed in Further Information.

The International Professional Security Association runs a number of training programmes such as the Professional Retail Security Officer course. Check their website, in Further Information, for details.

Opportunities

As a store detective you will find opportunities for work in large stores throughout the country. You can also find work with security companies, who provide security services to retailers. It is important to look for a reputable company, who will give you training and reasonable pay and conditions. The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) holds a list of member security companies who have been subject to strict requirements; check Further Information for website details.

With experience you may progress into more senior positions, such as supervisor and security manager. It is also possible to become self-employed and work on contracts for stores.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Store detectives will often have a starting salary of around £11,500 a year.
Experienced store detectives can earn around £18,000 a year.

Many store detectives earn more money by doing overtime.

Further information

Northumberland House Business Centre
11, The Pavement
Popes Lane
Ealing
London
W5 4NG
Tel: 020 8832 7417 Security House
Barbourne Road
Worcester
WR1 1RS
Tel: 0845 075 0111 Security House
Barbourne Road
Worcester
WR1 1RS
Tel: 01905 21464 PO Box 9
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE82 6YX
Tel: 0870 243 0100