Abstract
This study investigated how retail loss prevention training practices and techniques influence the behavior and performance of loss prevention officers. Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with loss prevention officers from two major retailers located within the United States. The purpose of the interviews was to examine how specific elements of Social Learning Theory guided or informed loss prevention officer behavior. The results suggest that peer-trainers have the greatest influence on an officer’s decision to conform or deviate from their company policy. From this data, evidence-based practices can be developed for retailers to avoid costly litigation stemming from inappropriate officer behavior.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Akers, R.L. (1985) Deviant Behavior. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Akers, R.L. (1998) Social Learning and Social Structure. Boston, MA: Northeastern University Press.
Akers, R.L. (1999) Criminological Theories. Chicago, IL: Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers.
Associated Press. (1997) Jury awards $1 million in Eddie Bauer case, 10 October.
Avalanche Journal. (1999) Ex-tech star wins $22.5 million, 30 June.
Chappell, A.T. and Piquero, A.R. (2010) Applying social learning theory to police misconduct. Deviant Behavior 25(2): 89–108.
Collins, P.A., Ricks, T.A. and Van Meter, C.W. (2000) Principles of Security and Crime Prevention. 4th edn. Cincinnati, OH: Anderson Publishing Co.
Haberfield, M.R. (2002) Critical Issues in Police Training. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Hayes, R. (2006) Store detectives and loss prevention. In: M. Gill (ed.) The Handbook of Security. New York: Palgrave MacMillan, pp. 408–420.
Hollinger, R. and Adams, A. (2012) National Retail Security Survey. Florida: University of Florida.
Kakalik, J.S. and Wildhorn, S. (1977) The Private Police: Security and Danger. New York: Crane Russak.
Keckeisen, G.L. (1993) Retail Security Versus the Shoplifter. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.
Manley, A.D. (2004) The Retail Loss Prevention Officer: The Fundamental Elements of Retail Safety and Security. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Maxfield, M.G. and Babbie, E.R. (2015) Research Methods for Criminal Justice and Criminology. 7th edn. Boston, MA: Cengage.
Purpura, P.P. (1989) Modern Security & Loss Prevention Management. Boston, MA: Buttersworth.
Purpura, P.P. (1993) Retail Security and Shrinkage Protection. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann.
Sutherland, E.H. (1947) Principles of Criminology. 4th edn. New York: J.B. Lippincott.
Van Maanen, J. (1973) Observations on the making of policemen. Human Organization 32(4): 407–418.
Van Maanen, J. (1978) Kinsmen in response: Occupational perspective of patrolmen. In: P.K. Manning and J.V. Maanen (eds.) Policing: A View from the Street. Santa Monica, CA: Goodyear Publishing, pp. 115–128.
Walby, K. and Lippert, R.K. (2015) The difference homeland security makes: Comparing municipal corporate security in Canada and the United States. Security Dialogue 46(3): 238–255.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Floridia, R., Hollinger, R. Social Learning Theory and the training of retail loss prevention officers. Secur J 30, 1013–1026 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1057/sj.2016.2
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/sj.2016.2