What's Happening?
The 2026 Mid-Atlantic Loss Prevention Conference, hosted by the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA), and Delaware Food Industry Council (DFIC), convened retail executives, loss prevention specialists, and law enforcement
officials on November 4 at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe, New Jersey. The conference, themed “The Spectrum of Loss Prevention,” featured a sold-out exhibition of security products and services. Key topics included organized retail crime (ORC), theft of SNAP benefits, cargo theft, gift card fraud, human trafficking, and the increasing use of artificial intelligence in retail security. Linda Doherty, president and CEO of NJFC, highlighted the event's role in advancing tools, knowledge, and partnerships for safer businesses and communities. Jim McGreevy was introduced as NJFC’s incoming president and CEO, set to succeed Doherty in January after her 30-year tenure. New Jersey Assistant Attorney General Rebecca Schuman provided an update on the state's efforts against ORC since the passage of its ORC law in 2025, while Marissa Gravel of the New Jersey Department of Human Services discussed SNAP benefit theft and the transition to more secure EBT cards.
Why It's Important?
This conference is crucial for the retail industry across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, as it directly addresses escalating threats like organized retail crime and SNAP benefit fraud, which significantly impact businesses' profitability and consumer trust. The focus on emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence in retail security, signifies a proactive approach to combating sophisticated criminal activities. By fostering collaboration between retail professionals and law enforcement, the event aims to create a unified front against these challenges, potentially leading to more effective prevention strategies and a reduction in financial losses for retailers. The introduction of Jim McGreevy as the incoming NJFC president and CEO signals a continued commitment to these issues, ensuring leadership continuity in advocating for industry needs and security advancements. The discussions on cargo theft, gift card fraud, and human trafficking also underscore the broad scope of security concerns facing the retail sector, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and integrated solutions.
What's Next?
The insights and strategies discussed at the conference are expected to inform future loss prevention practices and policy advocacy within the Mid-Atlantic region. With Jim McGreevy taking over as NJFC president and CEO in January, there will likely be a continued emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and dialogue to protect businesses, employees, and customers. The ongoing implementation of New Jersey's organized retail crime law and the state's move to more secure EBT cards with chip and tap technology will continue to be monitored for their effectiveness. Retailers are anticipated to further explore and adopt emerging technologies, such as computer vision and AI, to enhance their security measures and operational efficiency. The establishment of the annual Amanda Hobert Memorial Retail Law Enforcement Achievement Award will also serve to recognize and encourage law enforcement professionals dedicated to combating retail crime, fostering stronger public-private partnerships in the future.
Beyond the Headlines
The conference's emphasis on artificial intelligence in retail security points to a broader technological shift in how businesses approach loss prevention. The integration of AI and computer vision could lead to more predictive and automated security systems, potentially reducing human error and increasing the efficiency of identifying and preventing theft. However, this also raises questions about data privacy, the ethical use of surveillance technologies, and the potential for algorithmic bias. The discussions on human trafficking within the context of retail and transportation workers highlight a less obvious but critical societal issue that the retail sector is increasingly being called upon to address. This suggests a growing corporate social responsibility beyond traditional business concerns, where retailers are becoming active participants in broader public safety and human rights initiatives. The collaborative model between industry and law enforcement could also set a precedent for addressing other complex societal challenges through multi-sector partnerships.
