Loss Prevention

IPCA MINIMUM STANDARDS IN LOSS PREVENTION
The purpose of standards in loss prevention is three fold.

assure that programs in higher education meet or exceed the expectations of the profession in terms of measurable outcomes.
provide a common base of knowledge which is interdisciplinary in nature and which reflects the core competencies expected for successful performance of skill sets necessary in in the work place and in life.
Identify a common language which assures effective communication in the field. This language must reflect scientific specificity and methodological construction.
Measurable outcomes refer to assessment and will be more completely covered in our assessment document. Assessment must not only evaluate the specific program at a point in time and be reflective of best practices as determined by experts in the field but, also, be an ongoing concern and keep pace with developments and growth within the field being measured. IPCA is committed to the belief that knowledge and academic disciplines are not static. They are dynamic, ever changing and must be constantly re-evaluated in light of evolutionary change in society.

The common base of knowledge begins with the identification of base lines set by professional associations and governmental agencies charged with oversight in the area of stated standards. For loss prevention we chose as exemplary ASIS core competencies and the developing LPF competency models. ASIS in conjunction with the US Department of Labor and The Apollo Group has published an industry model which may be modified to reflect necessary elements of expected learning outcomes in higher education.

The common language is an often overlooked aspect of standards in educational design. Language in our plan revers not only to written and verbalized communication, but additionally, to a methodology of science. Scientific processes must be integrated into the knowledge base of programs in higher education at every level and a clear progression in mastery of this language must be demonstrated in a capstone experience at every degree level. Not only will this assure proficiency but is necessary for eventual accreditation by ABET or some other highly respected accreditor.

The Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF) is excited to support IPCA, which will provide a mechanism of setting and implementing standards for related academic programs and professional certifications. Businesses are challenging universities and associations more than ever, to create specific degree programs and certifications that prepare students for employment. The IPCA will help to ensure the creation of an environment of cooperation and mutual respect through integration of the needs of business and government with the expertise of academia. IPCA will ensure both quality of presentation with scientific rigor at every level of involvement”, stated Gene Smith, LPC, LPF president.

The Loss Prevention Foundation web site is located at http://www.losspreventionfoundation.org