There are many job titles that involve investigation, but far from all of the professionals in the investigative field face the same risk levels when on the job.
An undercover police officer for example, deals with greater threats as opposed to an intelligence worker that is mandated to tap into international telephone calls.
One of the investigative jobs that involve rather low physical level threat is a loss prevention specialist.
A loss prevention specialist is one of the careers in the investigative field that might interest those that look for a challenging job that does not involve risking one's health.
A loss prevention specialist will generally ensure the safety of employees and customers, which in return will prevent any law suits against the store or the company due to possible bodily harm experienced on the premises.
As well, a loss prevention specialist will investigate any inventory losses caused by shop lifters or the employees themselves.
This profession involves managing and investigating any information submitted about potential company losses.
Analyzing inventory and exception reports to discover and follow through on possible theft or fraud indications.
As well, tasks include preparing and finalizing all necessary documentation on apprehension and termination of employees suspected or accused of internal fraud.
Moreover, a loss prevention specialist will be responsible in ensuring functionality of all security devices within the premises, such as store alarms, surveillance cameras or security tags in the cases of retail stores.
The job of a loss prevention specialist will involve tracking improvements of the addressed issues from one report to another.
Therefore a crucial part of the job is implementing and tracking success of proposed recommendations.
The depth of a loss prevention specialist`s functions will depend on the organization where he or she is employed.
Job description of a loss prevention specialist at a clothing store will vary greatly from that of a mobile service provider call center specialist.
But the key function remains the same: preventing losses caused by dishonest clients of staff members.
Regardless of where a loss prevention specialist is employed, he or she will have a specific set of guidelines to follow when conducting interviews and investigations.
It is very easy for an internal fraud investigation to turn into a defamation lawsuit.
If coercion is used against an employee during an interrogation for example, a wrongful discharge lawsuit can be easily filed, and the company will have to pay considerable compensation to the suspected employee.
Thus, loss prevention specialists need to be very careful when exercising their job, as not to cause even further monetary damages to the company by their potentially improper practices.
Even with a confession, there are specific elements to be included and respected, otherwise such a confession may be rejected in court and once again the company may be ordered to compensate the employee or client for false accusation or cause of emotional distress during the interrogation.
As a general rule, an interrogation should not last more than four hours.
There was a rather messy case in the U.
S where a store clerk, accused of stealing from the cash register sued his former employee after suffering a heart attack in the weeks following his interrogation.
The clerk was awarded a large compensation, and the loss prevention specialist was fired for improper, in this case too lengthy, interrogation techniques.