Everyone has walked into a store at one time or another and has been greeted by a TV monitor. Besides being a great tool to make funny faces with your kids, the monitor actually serves a valuable service. The TV monitor, as well as numerous other features of the store, are all part of a physical security system used by businesses throughout the country. Understanding how the system works is all part of loss prevention education wherein physical security training plays a crucial role.
In retail, the majority of product loss comes from employee/ vendor theft, and shoplifting. According to independent studies, these thefts, when joined together, account for $33 billion in losses annually. Another way to look at the value of loss is to consider that 1/3 of products are stolen. The term often used by retailers to describe losses is called shrinkage.
Loss prevention is employed to combat the "shrinkage" that occurs. Loss prevention is simply the attempt to reduce the loss of assets in order to maximize profit margins. It is also the term used to avoid what is often considered to be threatening or offensive: "security measures." Losses occur through employee theft and shoplifting, but also through administrative errors, and vendor theft. Since the majority of product loss comes from malicious acts, (thefts), physical security training must be included in any program teaching loss prevention education.
Physical security is the aspect of security that involves the physical placement of security features which reduce the opportunities for theft or other threats. Often psychological security measures accompany physical security in order to influence both the thoughts and path of a potential threat to the company. The TV monitor mentioned earlier offers a psychological effect when a potential threat sees him/herself on camera, thus losing their anonymity. The realization they are being watched, and most likely recorded, may influence their decision to steal, damage or destroy an asset of the business.
Other aspects of physical security training include: access controls, video surveillance, alarm systems, fencing, manned guard stations, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chips/tags, and intrusion detectors. These are to name just a few of the measures used in physical security plans. The variety and cost involved with each type of physical security measure must be understood in order to provide a cost effective plan.
Many businesses and corporations know the value that loss prevention specialists provide. With all the "security experts" available these organizations are looking to find those who have loss prevention education. Both online and traditional schools offer degrees relating to the field of loss prevention. Since there are many options, choosing the right school may prove challenging. One recommendation is to understand what courses are being taught and whether they offer physical security training as it relates to loss prevention.
The field of loss prevention is becoming increasingly popular. With an expected 18% growth by the year 2016 the industry will offer new opportunities for those with the right qualifications. Getting the right loss prevention education that incorporates proper physical security training can put a student on the right track to becoming competitive. Without a proper understanding of physical security, no loss prevention education can be complete.
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Dan Sommer works for Henley-Putnam University, a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. For more info on Henley-Putnam University, loss prevention education, physical security training, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at http://www.Henley-Putnam.edu
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