Store detective

A store detective (also known as asset protection investigator, asset protection specialist, or loss prevention detective) is a person employed by a company as part of their loss prevention or asset protection department. They detect and prevent retail theft, reduce shrink, and help manage the security and safety of a store.

Store detectives detect and prevent theft by monitoring CCTV and patrolling the store in plain clothes to identify individuals who are attempting to shoplift. They also work to find ways to reduce operational and internal shrink through process improvement.

Store detectives are used in many big-box stores and department stores. Some companies, like Target and Macy's, employ both undercover store detectives and uniformed security guards.