Report Writing Chapter 12- Report Writing in the Private Sector

What is the primary expectation for report writing in the criminal justice field?

Reports must be filled out on time, correctly, factually, and with integrity.

Why must reports in criminal justice be professional?

They must uphold the same level of professionalism as any other report in the criminal justice field.

What should always be done before submitting a report in the criminal justice field?

Always proofread the report

What is the role of loss prevention officers in large companies?

Loss prevention officers protect company assets and ensure store safety and security

Which companies typically employ loss prevention specialists?

Large companies like Lowe’s, Walmart, Kohl’s, Sam’s Club, and Target.

What are the typical duties of a loss prevention specialist?

Watching CCTV monitors, monitoring for theft, fights, and hazards, and coordinating with law enforcement.

How do loss prevention specialists maintain a low profile in the store?

They work without name badges or professional identifiers, similar to undercover detectives.

What does "shrinkage" refer to in loss prevention?

Shrinkage refers to inventory and profit losses due to theft, expiration, or damage

What percentage of shrinkage is caused by employee theft in the United States?

Approximately 43% of shrinkage is caused by employee theft.

How do employees contribute to shrinkage in stores?

Employees may engage in theft, pilfering, or under-ringing items.

What is under-ringing in the context of cashier theft?

Under-ringing is when a cashier does not scan all items during a transaction, allowing friends to get uncharged items.

How do loss prevention specialists monitor for theft in stores?

They use CCTV cameras to observe store activities, especially in areas like cash registers and stock rooms.

What is ticket switching, and how does it contribute to theft?

Ticket switching occurs when a thief switches a product's price tag with a cheaper one to buy it at a lower price.

What is a "hands-off policy" in loss prevention?

A policy where loss prevention specialists avoid physical confrontation with shoplifters and instead use verbal commands.

What should loss prevention officers do if a shoplifter resists or fights?

Officers should avoid confrontation, attempt to notify police, and handle the situation with care to avoid escalation.

What are some additional duties of a loss prevention officer besides monitoring theft?

They may assist with safety checks, inventory, and help with tasks like cash pulls or ensuring security systems work.

What is the importance of report writing for loss prevention officers?

Loss prevention reports must be factual, detailed, and include a narrative to support police arrests and legal proceedings.

What information should be included in a loss prevention report?

The time monitoring the suspect, their actions, the items stolen, the stop’s outcome, and whether police were involved.

How should a loss prevention officer document the suspect’s actions in a report?

By noting when monitoring started, what the suspect did, what they took, and the final outcome of the stop.

What is the role of a security officer compared to a loss prevention specialist?

Security officers focus on asset protection, building security, and safety, while loss prevention specialists focus on theft prevention.