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How a retail loss prevention specialist can use AI, task by task

O*NET 33-9099.02: Retail Loss Prevention SpecialistsMedian pay $42,540/year (BLS, May 2025)21 tasksJob Zone 2: Some preparation

Implement procedures and systems to prevent merchandise loss. Conduct audits and investigations of employee activity. May assist in developing policies, procedures, and systems for safeguarding assets.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Asset Protection Associate (APA), Loss Prevention Agent, Loss Prevention Associate (LPA), Loss Prevention Detective, Loss Prevention Investigator, Loss Prevention Officer, Loss Prevention Specialist, Retail Asset Protection Specialist.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 11%AI-assist 59%Stays human 30%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 2 AI-ready, 12 AI-assist and 7 human-led tasks out of 21. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

  1. Implement or monitor processes to reduce property or financial losses.Review & check · Daily
  2. Investigate known or suspected internal theft, external theft, or vendor fraud.Look into it · Daily
  3. Identify and report safety concerns to maintain a safe shopping and working environment.Coordinate & message · Daily

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

  1. Verify proper functioning of physical security systems, such as closed-circuit televisions, alarms, sensor tag systems, or locks.Watch & inspect · Daily
  2. Perform covert surveillance of areas susceptible to loss, such loading docks, distribution centers, or warehouses.Watch & inspect · Daily
  3. Inspect buildings, equipment, or access points to determine security risks.Watch & inspect · Weekly

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

AI can draft these 2

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Maintain documentation or reports on security-related incidents or investigations.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to maintain documentation or reports on security-related incidents or investigations.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Records: [orders, archives]
Needs: [retrieval, audit]

Draft a record format and filing scheme. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Operational record keeping

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain documentation or reports (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Records] and [Needs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain operational records..

Prepare written reports on investigations.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to prepare written reports on investigations.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Incident: [what happened, when, where; no names]
Findings: [facts, evidence, actions taken]

Draft a factual report with timeline, findings and recommendations. Mark assumptions with [CHECK]. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Incident or investigation report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare written reports on investigations (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Incident] and [Findings] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact and time against your notes and evidence.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare investigation or incident reports..

AI can help you prep these 12

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Implement or monitor processes to reduce property or financial losses.

Daily

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to implement or monitor processes to reduce property or financial losses.

Context: We use Aspect Loss Prevention Aspect EliteLP and Epicor Loss Prevention; the work draws on public safety and security, law and government and personnel and human resources.
Operation: [describe]
Policies: [safety or security rules]

List checks, evidence to collect and how to report gaps. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Safety policy compliance check

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you implement or monitor processes (today).
Step 2Fill in [Operation] and [Policies] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Recompute every total yourself.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor operations to ensure compliance with safety or security policies or regulations..

Investigate known or suspected internal theft, external theft, or vendor fraud.

Daily

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to investigate known or suspected internal theft, external theft, or vendor fraud.

Context: We use Aspect Loss Prevention Aspect EliteLP and Epicor Loss Prevention; the work draws on public safety and security, law and government and personnel and human resources.
Allegation: [what's suspected, without names]
Policies or laws involved: [theft policy, regulation, code]

Give me an investigation plan: evidence to secure first, records to pull, who to interview in what order, legal and HR cautions, and how to document findings. Flag anything that needs legal advice.

10-minute exercise: Plan an internal investigation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you investigate known or suspected internal theft, external theft (today).
Step 2Describe it in [Allegation] and list rules in [Policies or laws involved].
Step 3Check the plan with your legal or HR contact before using it on a live case.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Investigate crimes committed within organizations..

Identify and report safety concerns to maintain a safe shopping and working environment.

Daily

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to identify and report safety concerns to maintain a safe shopping and working environment.

Situation: [evidence, incident]
Recipient: [lab, examiner, attorney]

Draft a concise notification with key facts. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Situation report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you identify and report safety concerns to maintain a safe (today).
Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Recipient] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel..

Monitor compliance with standard operating procedures for loss prevention, physical security, or risk management.

Daily

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to monitor compliance with standard operating procedures for loss prevention, physical security, or risk management.

Context: We use Aspect Loss Prevention Aspect EliteLP and Epicor Loss Prevention; the work draws on public safety and security, law and government and personnel and human resources.
Operation: [describe]
Policies: [safety or security rules]

List checks, evidence to collect and how to report gaps. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Safety policy compliance check

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you monitor compliance (today).
Step 2Fill in [Operation] and [Policies] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor operations to ensure compliance with safety or security policies or regulations..

Identify and report merchandise or stock shortages.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to identify and report merchandise or stock shortages.

Situation: [evidence, incident]
Recipient: [lab, examiner, attorney]

Draft a concise notification with key facts. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Situation report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you identify and report merchandise (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Recipient] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel..

Conduct store audits to identify problem areas or procedural deficiencies.

Weekly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to conduct store audits to identify problem areas or procedural deficiencies.

Context: We use Aspect Loss Prevention Aspect EliteLP and Epicor Loss Prevention; the work draws on public safety and security, law and government and personnel and human resources.
Operation: [describe]
Policies: [safety or security rules]

List checks, evidence to collect and how to report gaps. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Safety policy compliance check

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct store audits (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Operation] and [Policies] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor operations to ensure compliance with safety or security policies or regulations..

Recommend methods to reduce potential financial fraud losses.

Weekly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 44% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to recommend methods to reduce potential financial fraud losses.

Context: The work draws on public safety and security, law and government and personnel and human resources.
Issue: [equipment, procedures]
Evidence: [describe]

Write a recommendation. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Safety improvement recommendation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you recommend methods to reduce potential financial fraud losses (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Issue] and [Evidence] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Recommend improvements to increase safety or reduce risks..

Train establishment personnel in loss prevention activities.

Weekly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to train establishment personnel in loss prevention activities.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint and Aspect Loss Prevention Aspect EliteLP; the work draws on public safety and security, law and government and personnel and human resources.
Procedure: [plant operations, duties]
Employees: [describe]

Plan OJT steps and sign-off. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: On-the-job training

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you train establishment personnel (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Procedure] and [Employees] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Train employees in proper work procedures..

Collaborate with law enforcement agencies to report or investigate crimes.

Monthly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to report or investigate crimes.

Context: We use McAfee and NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software.
Incident: [type]
Agencies: [police, fire]

Draft coordination messages. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Joint incident response

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collaborate with law enforcement agencies.
Step 2Fill in [Incident] and [Agencies] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to respond to incidents..

Coordinate with risk management, human resources, or other departments to assist in company programs, investigations, or training.

Monthly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to coordinate with risk management, human resources, or other departments to assist in company programs, investigations, or training.

Group: [civic, school]
Program: [describe]

Draft an invitation and plan. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Community partnership

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you coordinate with risk management and human resources.
Step 2Fill in [Group] and [Program] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with outside groups to develop programs or projects..

Recommend new or improved processes or equipment to reduce risk exposure.

Monthly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 48% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to recommend new or improved processes or equipment to reduce risk exposure.

Context: The work draws on public safety and security, law and government and personnel and human resources.
Issue: [equipment, procedures]
Evidence: [describe]

Write a recommendation. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Safety improvement recommendation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you recommend new or improved processes or equipment.
Step 2Fill in [Issue] and [Evidence] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Recommend improvements to increase safety or reduce risks..

Conduct employee background investigations and review reports with operational or human resources managers.

Monthly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to conduct employee background investigations and review reports with operational or human resources managers.

Context: We use Aspect Loss Prevention Aspect EliteLP and Epicor Loss Prevention; the work draws on public safety and security, law and government and personnel and human resources.
Purpose: [pre-employment, case, verification]
Legal limits: [jurisdiction, consent]

List lawful sources to check, the order to check them, how to verify findings, and what I must not do.

10-minute exercise: Background check plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct employee background investigations. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Purpose] and [Legal limits] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Confirm the legal limits with your compliance rules before using it.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 3.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Investigate personal characteristics or activities of individuals..

These stay human 7

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Contact with others: constant contact with others · Face-to-face discussions: every day · Dealing with the public: very important · Impact of decisions: important results

Verify proper functioning of physical security systems, such as closed-circuit televisions, alarms, sensor tag systems, or locks.

Daily

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to verify proper functioning of physical security systems, such as closed-circuit televisions, alarms, sensor tag systems, or locks.

Context: The work draws on public safety and security, law and government and personnel and human resources.
Equipment: [fire doors, sprinklers, wiring]
Standard: [code, manufacturer]

List tests and pass criteria. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Safety function test

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you verify proper functioning of physical security systems (today).
Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Standard] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning..

Perform covert surveillance of areas susceptible to loss, such loading docks, distribution centers, or warehouses.

Daily

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to perform covert surveillance of areas susceptible to loss, such loading docks, distribution centers, or warehouses.

Context: The work draws on public safety and security, law and government and personnel and human resources.
What I watch: [cameras, sites, people of interest]
Rules: [legal limits, policy]

Make a surveillance checklist, what to note, and an objective log template. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Surveillance log

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you perform covert surveillance of areas susceptible (today).
Step 2Fill in [What I watch] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments..

Inspect buildings, equipment, or access points to determine security risks.

Weekly

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to inspect buildings, equipment, or access points to determine security risks.

Context: The work draws on public safety and security, law and government and personnel and human resources.
Facility: [station, unit, recreation area]
Regulations: [safety and security rules]

Make an inspection checklist for facilities, vehicles, equipment and uniforms. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Station and equipment inspection

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you inspect buildings and equipment (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Facility] and [Regulations] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with security or safety regulations.. Also involves: Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning..

Apprehend shoplifters in accordance with guidelines.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to apprehend shoplifters in accordance with guidelines.

Context: The work draws on public safety and security, law and government and personnel and human resources.
Situation type: [trespasser, escapee, violator]
Policy: [your procedures]

Summarize safe approach, communication, legal limits and reporting as study notes with scenarios. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Apprehension procedure review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you apprehend shoplifters.
Step 2Fill in [Situation type] and [Policy] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every point against your agency policy and training before relying on it.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apprehend criminal suspects..

Direct work of contract security officers or other loss prevention agents.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to direct work of contract security officers or other loss prevention agents.

Context: The work draws on public safety and security, law and government and personnel and human resources.
Event or incident: [describe]
Resources: [officers, equipment]

Plan posts, communication and contingencies. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Security operation plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you direct work of contract security officers or other loss (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Event or incident] and [Resources] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Brief the team and confirm radio channels. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Direct security operations..

Testify in civil or criminal court proceedings.

A few times a year

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to testify in civil or criminal court proceedings.

Context: The work draws on public safety and security, law and government and personnel and human resources.
Proceeding: [court, hearing, legislative]
Topic: [findings, violations, investigation]

Help me prepare: key facts in order, likely questions including hostile ones, and how to answer calmly and only within my knowledge. Then cross-examine me.

10-minute exercise: Testimony prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you testify in civil or criminal court proceedings.
Step 2Fill in [Proceeding] and [Topic] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Review with counsel and stick strictly to facts you can support. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Testify at legal or legislative proceedings..

Respond to critical incidents, such as catastrophic events, violent weather, or civil disorders.

A few times a year

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to respond to critical incidents, such as catastrophic events, violent weather, or civil disorders.

Context: The work draws on public safety and security, law and government and personnel and human resources.
Emergency type: [medical, alarm, threat]
Procedures: [summary]

Run a tabletop scenario with me, asking what I'd do at each step. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Emergency response rehearsal

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you respond to critical incidents.
Step 2Fill in [Emergency type] and [Procedures] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Compare your answers with your official procedures.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Respond to emergencies to provide assistance..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Active Listeningimportance 3.5/5
    Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.8/5
    Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  • Monitoringimportance 3.5/5
    Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.2/5
    Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 0 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 1 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Use drone technology for surveillance and loss prevention.

New in O*NET

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a retail loss prevention specialist. Part of my job is to use drone technology for surveillance and loss prevention.

Context: The work draws on public safety and security, law and government and personnel and human resources.
What's involved: [drone technology: where, when, who's affected]

Make me a step-by-step checklist to use drone technology, the details I should double-check before I start, and a 3-line template for noting it's done.

10-minute exercise: Checklist: drone technology

Step 1Before you next use drone technology, fill in [What's involved] with the real details.
Step 2Strike any step that doesn't match how your workplace does it, and add what only experience teaches.
Step 3Afterward, note it with the 3-line template and one thing you'd do differently next time.

New O*NET task (05/2025). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so it was labelled by hand.

Getting into this job

High school diploma is most common (69% of workers)

  • High school or less 74%
  • Certificate or some college 4%
  • Associate's 11%
  • Bachelor's 10%
  • On-the-job training: 1–3 months
  • Related experience: up to 1 month

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Microsoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordStructured query language SQL

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