Archived New APS! I've got a few questions (training, pay, etc)

[Targetegrat]

Hey guys! Just got hired as an APS... so excited! After watching every (hilarious) video on youtube for "target asset protection," I'd like to now know what a day in the life is actually like? What do you do for training? Have mock apprehensions?
Also, what was your first apprehension like? Were you nervous?
Lastly, I came into this position with no prior experience and they offered $13/hour. Tried to negotiate, but they were super poker face, and I really wanted the job. Am I getting totally raped by them, or is this fair price?
Thanks!

 

[CleanMyBackRoOm]

I would say that's pretty fair depending on your market area. I believe that's the starting rate for most TL's 13-14 area. It's really hard to say when it comes to pay when your talking about a specialty area because everything is based off a pay grade. Once you're not a regular TM or Cashier everything is based off grade. I would say 13$ with no prior experience is pretty good. A regular day as an APS is probably pretty boring unless you live in a high theft area. You'll run a lot of reports and count high security items, you'll find yourself scrutinizing your own TMs because that's your job.

I remember I helped with an ap all I did was follow the guy around because I had witnessed him cutting security boxes off of the game cases in electronics, it's was super hyphy. So much adrenaline was pumping it was crazy. Finally when the cops came into the store (Our AP was not in the building and the guy had a knife) they stopped him in the store and they ended up fighting. It was like a super intense action movie where you find yourself screaming for the good guy to rip his freaking head off.

All I have to say is use your TMs to your advantage, don't be a dick security guy because you have authority because in the long run your there to do a job just like everyone else. =]
Good luck out there and stay safe man.

 

[Targetegrat]

I would say that's pretty fair depending on your market area. I believe that's the starting rate for most TL's 13-14 area. It's really hard to say when it comes to pay when your talking about a specialty area because everything is based off a pay grade. Once you're not a regular TM or Cashier everything is based off grade. I would say 13$ with no prior experience is pretty good. A regular day as an APS is probably pretty boring unless you live in a high theft area. You'll run a lot of reports and count high security items, you'll find yourself scrutinizing your own TMs because that's your job.

I remember I helped with an ap all I did was follow the guy around because I had witnessed him cutting security boxes off of the game cases in electronics, it's was super hyphy. So much adrenaline was pumping it was crazy. Finally when the cops came into the store (Our AP was not in the building and the guy had a knife) they stopped him in the store and they ended up fighting. It was like a super intense action movie where you find yourself screaming for the good guy to rip his freaking head off.

All I have to say is use your TMs to your advantage, don't be a dick security guy because you have authority because in the long run your there to do a job just like everyone else. =]
Good luck out there and stay safe man.

Thanks for the fast response! That app sounds exciting, I cant wait until I get involved with my first one. What did you do when you started orientation/training? I hope I dont have to travel too much.... there are no targets from me within 40 miles or so.

 

[Amaazingdude]

Thanks for the fast response! That app sounds exciting, I cant wait until I get involved with my first one. What did you do when you started orientation/training? I hope I dont have to travel too much.... there are no targets from me within 40 miles or so.

You will travel to a different store for training. You will have a weeks worth of computer online training. After all of that, they will train you how to use hand cuffs and put people into holds.

 

[Targetegrat]

Why can't they just train me at my own store? I was told its about a 2 week wait on a background check for APS..... this accurate? How many weeks of training? What do you guys think is the ETA of me actually being an APS in my home store.......3-4 weeks from now?
Also, since I'm an APS, does that automatically mean plain clothes?

 

[HardlinesGuy]

Welcome to Target and welcome to The Break Room.

I'm not an AP TM but I can tell you yes, you will be plain clothes as an APS. The uniformed AP position is TPS, aka Target Protection Specialist.

Enjoy the ride.

 

[commiecorvus]

Welcome to The Break Room.

 

[Hardlinesmaster]

Welcome!

 

[anathema]

Your job is to stop theft. Your day-to-day will be a bit different depending on what your team looks like, but it should mostly consist of camera work and physical surveillance. With the help of your team, you will try to identify potential theft and known theft subjects and either attempt to deter the theft or apprehend them. You will always have to pay attention to who's in the store, who's acting shady, and what the right choice is as far as either apprehending or deterring the theft. You'll also have to pay attention to high theft items and your shortage areas.

You're given a fair amount of leeway with your position, just know that based on your lead, they'll expect results. Always strive to build good theft culture and keep your apprehension numbers higher than the previous year.

Training for me was essentially learning how to watch people without being seen, how to act like a regular guest when in close proximity, how to do camera work, writing reports, and how to make an apprehension. We did a bunch of situational trials where I would try to catch my trainer and, if I did (there were times I lost her), would I apprehend her? Your first few days in training will probably be the online work, and there's a lot of it. At the end of your training, you need two certifications: one to be able to assist in apprehensions and one to make apprehensions by yourself.

They are fairly rigid on the pay, especially because it's such a big bump from TM. You are essentially given TL pay with leadership responsibilities, use this position to catapult yourself even further, whether you choose to advance in AP or not.

 

[On6]

Do you have any loss prevention experience? It's rare they hire people into that role with no prior experience. Usually it's TPS first then promote to APS after you gain the experience.

Anyways you will be plain clothes all the time. APS is only in high risk stores. Your job is to make apprehensions. You won't really be doing the floor counts, since it would blow your cover, that's the job of the TPS. Your schedule will be based on the theft trends in your area. I have some wiggle room with my ETL when it comes to making my schedule, but you may not. My store also has a second APS which is rare.

Oh yea and you'll be told repeatedly do not approach subjects that you see cutting or display any weapon. That rule is non negotiable. Call PD if you see anything like that.

Training will probably be done at another store because they will partner you with another APS to shadow. Since most stores don't have multiple APS there probably isn't anyone at your home store to do the training. For me it was just one week because I was already in AP. But for you it will probably be atleast 2 weeks.

 

[Coqui]

I have a question. Is APS on the same level as a TL, or are they still subordinates to a TL? I never understood this.

 

[On6]

I have a question. Is APS on the same level as a TL, or are they still subordinates to a TL? I never understood this.

APS is PG13
Senior APS is PG15
APTL is PG15

Depending on the store they either answer to the ETL-AP or APTL. APS is considered a TL either way.

 

[Coqui]

So they are only subordinate to the ETL-AP and the APTL? What about other TLs and ETLs in the store?

 

[On6]

Well everyone falls under the LOD, whoever that may be. But as far as other TLs no. I partner with the TLs in my building but they don't tell me what to do or vice versa. If that's what your wondering.

 

[Coqui]

Yes that's what I was wondering because I actually had an issue with some APS walking into my work center to help themselves to water or my cups so I didn't know if I could technically hold them accountable since they continue to do it.

 

[Firefox]

Yes that's what I was wondering because I actually had an issue with some APS walking into my work center to help themselves to water or my cups so I didn't know if I could technically hold them accountable since they continue to do it.

Interesting, cause our APS does the same thing. I've always thought that water was fine, but I wouldn't help myself to a cup unless it was offered to me.

 

[Coqui]

Interesting, cause our APS does the same thing. I've always thought that water was fine, but I wouldn't help myself to a cup unless it was offered to me.

Not only that, but it can get us in trouble for having non Starbucks trained TMs behind the counter and it blows their cover.

 

[RetailWorld]

$13 is only $3 above starting TM. Sounds like Target has yet to restructure starting TL rates.

 

[On6]

$13 is only $3 above starting TM. Sounds like Target has yet to restructure starting TL rates.

$9 is base starting TM. $10 will probably come next year.

Plus it really depends on location more than anything. For a store that has a base of $9, $4 over is about normal for APS.

 

[On6]

Yes that's what I was wondering because I actually had an issue with some APS walking into my work center to help themselves to water or my cups so I didn't know if I could technically hold them accountable since they continue to do it.

Just say something to them. He/she probably doesn't know it's a issue.

 

[Coqui]

Just say something to them. He/she probably doesn't know it's a issue.

I've told them multiple times. They know it's an issue.

 

[Targetegrat]

I will be the 2nd APS at our store. Does that mean I may do my training at my store?

How is target concerning facial hair? I'm wondering if as an APS I can still grow my winter beard...

 

[redeye58]

I've told them multiple times. They know it's an issue.

Have you told them it's a Steritech issue?
Because continuing such activity KNOWING it's an issue that could affect your score is something that shouldn't be tolerated.
We had a TPS who would do things like that & after we spoke to the ETL-AP, he'd start harassing our baristas & kept reaching into our prep area for a cup even when we told him he needed to ask.
He did one day during an inspection; right in front of the guy from Steritech & the ETL.
Although it was deemed a non-critical it dinged our score & ticked the ETL off.
Next thing I know, he was gone.

 

[RetailWorld]

$9 is base starting TM. $10 will probably come next year.

Plus it really depends on location more than anything. For a store that has a base of $9, $4 over is about normal for APS.

In California, we're already starting TM's at 10 an hour. I have a new PA in the district still at 10.50 =\

 

[Coqui]

Have you told them it's a Steritech issue?
Because continuing such activity KNOWING it's an issue that could affect your score is something that shouldn't be tolerated.
We had a TPS who would do things like that & after we spoke to the ETL-AP, he'd start harassing our baristas & kept reaching into our prep area for a cup even when we told him he needed to ask.
He did one day during an inspection; right in front of the guy from Steritech & the ETL.
Although it was deemed a non-critical it dinged our score & ticked the ETL off.
Next thing I know, he was gone.

I already partnered with the APTL about this issue. He said it wouldn't happen again and apologized so hopefully it won't be an issue anymore. I did tell them that it's a steritech violation. Plus my Starbucks DM happened to be there when it happened and she was not happy. She emailed, me, my ETL, STL and my DTL.