Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

The Work

In larger stores, the store detective works as part of the overall security team. Depending on the type of retail outlet, the day-to-day activities of the store detective may include the following:  
 
Monitoring and Surveillance of the shop floor by Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) or by walking the floor.  
The control within business hours of entry and exit points in the retail outlets, etc.  
Dealing with shoplifting or pilferage issues as they arise.  
Managing and controlling the security team in certain outlets.  
Working with the retail management team to devise a secure shop layout.  
 
The store detective may also write reports of incidents and may have to give evidence in court. They may also deal with any emergencies such as a bomb/ fire alert or a customer that has been involved in an accident or fallen ill.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Investigate known or suspected internal theft, external theft, or vendor fraud.
• Implement or monitor processes to reduce property or financial losses.
• Identify and report merchandise or stock shortages.
• Maintain documentation or reports on security-related incidents or investigations.
• Apprehend shoplifters in accordance with guidelines.
• Verify proper functioning of physical security systems, such as closed-circuit televisions, alarms, sensor tag systems, or locks.
• Identify and report safety concerns to maintain a safe shopping and working environment.
• Conduct store audits to identify problem areas or procedural deficiencies.
• Monitor compliance with standard operating procedures for loss prevention, physical security, or risk management.
• Inspect buildings, equipment, or access points to determine security risks.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Retail outlets recruit store detectives from a variety of sources. The store detective may be employed from a security firm which specialises in this area. Many retail organisations may also recruit trainees and train them to their specific needs. These training programmes are usually store based with additional courses to cover the more theoretical aspects of retailing and security. Both full-time and part-time formal training can assist a successful career as a Store Detective. A variety of relevant security courses are available throughout the country.  

Training & Development 

FET Centre Courses: Occupational Security NFQ level 4-6 courses in line with security authority static, site, supervisor security jobs run in FET centres around Ireland from NFQ levels 4-6.  SOLAS also runs relevant courses Search our FET coursefinder

FET Centre PLC Courses: Retails, Security Studies & management NFQ level 5-6 Search our FET PLC coursefinder 

Professional Development  

Under the Private Security Service act all security personnel are required to register with the Private Security Authority (PSA) and to obtain a security licence.

Garda vetting will be part of the registration process for a job in security. 

Last Updated: March, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €42k

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Glassdoor/ Payscale

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels in this occupation dipped during 2020, most likely related to the closure of offices, bars and retail premises during the COVID-19 pandemic along with the cancellation of events. Employment has since returned to pre-COVID-19 levels with a high volume of vacancies advertised with DSP Jobs Ireland (including event and retail security).

Although the number of online adverts for security guards in the OVATE data declined overall, the number of skill mentions increased for health/safety skills. monitoring & planning skills, and an ability to work in teams. This occupation has a higher-than-average share of non-Irish citizens employed, at 30% (compared to 19% nationally). Future demand for these roles will be particularly dependent on the occupancy levels in offices, where the majority of security guards are employed.

• Private Security Authority

  • Davis Street, Tipperary Town
  • 062 32600
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Security Industry Association (ISIA)

  • Security Centre, Unit 1A, IDA Industrial Estate, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
  • (01) 484 7206
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Security Institute of Ireland

  • Unit W9G, Ladytown Business Park, Naas Co Kildare
  • (045) 409 222
  • Click Here