Store detective

A store detective (also known as Asset Protection Investigator, undercover shopper, Loss Prevention Detective, and Asset Protection Specialist) is a member of loss prevention whose main role is to prevent and detect theft (commonly known as shoplifting) and reduce shrink in retail outlets.^[1] They do this by patrolling the store in plain clothes looking to identify members of the public who are stealing from the store. More common terms today with major retailers are loss prevention agent, detective or investigator and asset protection officer. Special officer, once common,^{[citation needed]} is now rarely used, as it is typically denotes some form of law enforcement authority, and some jurisdictions limit its use.

Store detectives are still very common and are used in almost all locations of Target, Walmart, JCPenney, Macy's, Nordstrom, Sephora, and other large retailers.