As a detective working in a particular store, I believe you have a responsibility to more than just the company you work for.  Whether as a plain clothes store detective or a Loss Prevention manager, protecting the assets of the company you work for is obviously your foremost and first responsibility. The company directly benefits from the apprehension of shoplifters who are literally ripping off their business. But in addition to the company benefiting, every shoplifter arrested and taken off the street also benefits the local community in numerous ways. The apprehension of someone for shoplifting usually prevents additional thefts by that person or persons. And if incarcerated, it prevents that person from committing other types of crime as well (burglary, robbery, etc.). So there is a responsibility to the local community, by the detective and the company as well. Lastly, there is a responsibility to the individual apprehended. Of the three, this is probably the most important, especially if that person is a juvenile. The impact you can make on a young person’s life is immeasurable and lasting, at a time when he or she is making bad decisions that will determine the direction of their life. And whether the person is a juvenile or adult, young or old, male or female, this is one job where you can make a difference. This 3-pronged approach is the way I have handled the responsibility of this position during my entire 18 year career.