Store detective Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As a store detective, you would use your observation skills to spot signs of attempted theft. Your duties could include:

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

You would have the power to detain anyone trying to leave the store with stolen goods. You may also be involved in preventing the use of stolen credit cards.

You would use various kinds of technology in your work, such as two-way radios, loop alarms, mirrors, electronic tags on goods, and closed circuit television (CCTV).

Hours

You could work up to 48 hours a week, including evenings and weekends. You may do shift work depending on the opening hours of the store. Temporary and seasonal work is often available.

You will spend much of your day standing or walking around the store.

Income

Starting salaries for store detectives can be around £12,500 to £16,500 a year. With experience this can rise to around £18,000 a year.

Many store detectives earn more money by doing overtime.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You do not usually need formal academic qualifications to start work as a store detective, however a good standard of general education would be helpful. For some jobs you would need to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). See the Training and Development section below for details.

Many people move into store detective work as a second career. Previous experience in retail or working with the police, armed forces or security companies would be helpful to you.

Most employers will carry out checks on your personal and work history, going back up to ten years, and you will need to declare any criminal convictions.

You may be able to do this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. You will need to check which schemes are available in your area. To find out more, visit the Apprenticeships website.

• Apprenticeships

Training and development

You will usually receive on-the-job training, working alongside experienced staff. You may also need to have, or work towards, a Security Industry Authority (SIA) license. This will depend on who employs you and where you work.

Employee in-house

If you are carrying out duties for your employer on premises managed and operated by them, you do not need an SIA licence. This may change in the future.

Contract

If you are employed by an agency (or contractor) to work as a store detective for one of their customers, you will need an SIA front-line licence. To qualify for this you must:

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

Approved SIA training takes around four days, and can be completed before you begin work or when you start in your first job. If you already have a security qualification you may be exempt from part of the course.

You may also need an additional SIA licence if your work includes using CCTV equipment.

See the SIA website for more information on licences and training.

• Security Industry Authority

Additional training

Whichever type of store detective you are (in-house or contract), you could work towards qualifications such as:

• Level 2 Certificate in Providing Security Services
• Level 3 Award in Security Operations.

Skills and knowledge

To become a store detective, you will need to have:

• a mature and responsible attitude to work
• honesty and reliability
• good observational skills
• strong spoken and written communication skills
• the ability to handle sensitive situations
• a polite and helpful attitude
• good levels of physical fitness
• confidence to challenge people when necessary
• the ability to use modern surveillance systems, such as CCTV and electronic tags
• the ability to make quick decisions.

More information

Security Industry Authority (SIA)
PO Box 1293
Liverpool
L69 1AX
Tel: 0844 892 1025
www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk

Skills for Security
Security House
Barbourne Road
Worcester
WR1 1RS
Tel: 0845 075 0111
www.skillsforsecurity.org.uk

British Security Industry Association (BSIA)
Kirkham House
John Comyn Drive
Worcester
WR3 7NS
Tel: 0845 389 3889
www.bsia.co.uk

International Professional Security Association (IPSA)
Northumberland House Business Centre
11, The Pavement
Popes Lane
Ealing
London
W5 4NG
Tel: 020 8832 7417
www.ipsa.org.uk

Opportunities

You could find work at large stores throughout the country. Jobs are advertised in the local press, in Jobcentre Plus offices and on the Directgov website (Jobseekers page).

• Directgov (Jobseekers page)

You will also find opportunities with companies that provide security services to retailers. It is important to look for a reputable company that will provide training and reasonable pay and conditions. The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) website has a list of member security companies that have passed their strict checks.

• British Security Industry Association (BSIA)

With experience you could progress to a senior post, such as supervisor or security manager. You could also become self-employed and work on contracts for stores.