Retail Security Officer

As a Retail Security Detective, you operate in preventing theft. A Retail Security Officer can also be called a Retail Security Officer Loss Prevention Agent, who typically observes shoppers in an effort to identify any shoplifting activity.

Wage rate hourly

From £7 to £15
(usually includes weekends)

Total Cost

Between £350 and £450 including your licence fee

Typical hours

20 to 48 hours a week usually includes weekends

Requirements

SIA Door Supervisor or Security Guard Licence

Learn How Download career guide

How to become a Retail Security Officer

You must have a valid SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence before you can work in the security industry as a Retail Security Officer.

There are two relevant licences you can choose from for this career.

The first is the SIA Door Supervisor Licence which you can apply for after successfully completing and passing the SIA Door Supervisor course.

The second is the SIA Security Guard Licence which you can apply for after successfully completing and passing the SIA Security Guard course.

Become a Retail Security Officer

Start a successful career as a Retail Security Officer by following these steps:

Book your Door Supervisor/Security Guard course

This is the first step to become a Retail Security Officer.

Pass the course

Both course consists of multiple choice exams and the Door Supervisor includes a physical assessment.

Apply for your SIA Licence

You can apply for your licence through the postoffice after passing the course

Apply for jobs in your area

Once you have your licence, you can start applying for Retail Security Officer jobs in your area

Course price from

£149.99

Licence fee

£190

Valid for

3 years

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Typical job description and responsibilities

The responsibilities of a Retail Security Officer can vary slightly depending on your seniority and the company that you are working for.

However, some of the most common responsibilities include;

Ensuring the Safety of Employees and Customers
Deter and apprehend shoplifters at various retail locations
Provide Customer Service when Necessary
Handle Crisis and Emergency Situations with Confidence
Ensure all Saftey and Emergency Procedures are followed.
Enforce property rules, city bi-laws, and other applicable laws

Retail Security Officers are expected to act as part of a team, so be prepared to help out your co-workers when necessary.

How much does a Retail Security Officer actually earn

The average wage of a Retail Security Officer can vary depending on experience, seniority and the company that you are working for.

Just Starting Out

You will typically make anywhere between £7.00 to £9.00, depending on your previous experience and qualifications.

Mid-Level

Once you have gained some experience working as a Retail Security Officer, you can usually make anywhere between £9.00 to £12.00. However, this often comes with more responsibility.

Team Leader

If you are working in a location where there is more than one Retail Security Officer and you are assigned to manage your Security Team, you can expect to earn £12.00 +

Behind the Licence

Carl Simpson was launched in to the national spotlight when he saved a child from choking whilst working as a Security Guard in Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland. Hear Carl Simpson's amazing story and how being first aid trained allowed him to have the confidence to act quickly in a terrifying situation.