Additional Information
Many loss prevention managers and consultants have professional designations,
such as CPP (certified protection professional). A CPP designation is conferred
by the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS).
Before training and testing for a designation, a person must have several
years of experience. Paul Lynn says half the people he knows in the field
have a CPP designation, which can help your career because "any education
is valuable."
Greg Hurd is the chair of a chapter of ASIS. Hurd, who has a CPP designation,
says it helps you earn respect in the industry. "There is a credibility factor
that comes into play. It is a very strenuous process that you go through."
Loss prevention managers often get promoted through the ranks of a retail
outlet, starting out with just a high school diploma. However, to get promoted,
further education in management and security is required.
Veitch started out as a floorwalker. She took security manager courses
for two and a half years, earning a certificate. Her employer subsidized the
cost. Veitch has also taken courses in covert camera installation and interviewing
techniques.
"If you're wanting to aspire to the professional ranks, then I think you
need a college degree or some strong technical background in electronics and
security systems," says Pat Robertson. Robertson is a director of loss prevention.
"This business now is understanding a corporate spreadsheet and everything
you talk about has to be a value-added benefit -- watching the bottom line.
Managers today are not so much security-oriented. It's very important to have
a very strong business background."