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Security Services for Bars and Restaurants
Security, safety, and investigative services for bars and restaurants in Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
I am Zach Baumgart, a paramedic, Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and former federal special agent with more than 25 years of public safety and law enforcement experience. About me
Independent Advice, with Nothing to Sell
I do not sell security guards, alarms, cameras, or any other products or equipment. I only provide my services, so my advice is never tied to something I am selling. My only interest is giving you honest advice and the best client service.
How I Help Bars and Restaurants
I serve bars and restaurants of every type and size, including bars and taverns, restaurants, breweries and distilleries, nightclubs, cafes, food halls, and catered event venues, from single locations to multi-location restaurant and bar groups.
Security Director on Demand
- On-demand security advice without the overhead of a full-time employee.
- I act as your dedicated liaison with law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies.
- I lead confidential investigations of internal cash loss, policy violations, shrink, theft, fraud, and employee misconduct.
- I conduct threat assessments and threat investigations, and I develop threat mitigation plans as part of your contract.
Threat Assessment and Management
- Bars and taverns carry a known risk of violence, especially late at night. A 2024 study found that shorter bar and tavern selling hours were associated with fewer violent crimes nearby. Source: Rosen et al., JAMA Internal Medicine, 2024
- I assess and investigate threats from irate, threatening, or aggressive patrons and others, and help you have a plan on how to respond before a situation escalates.
- I develop threat management and mitigation plans, and I coordinate with law enforcement as appropriate.
Emergency Procedures
- I audit and test your protocols for Active Threat Response (commonly referred to as active shooter or armed intruder training), severe weather, medical crises, patron disturbances, and over-service mitigation.
- I develop contingency plans for conflict de-escalation and high-risk incidents.
- I conduct practical staff training and drills.
Physical Security Audits
- An independent audit of your premises.
- I evaluate physical access controls, CCTV coverage and dead zones, alarm systems, and cash handling procedures.
- I identify vulnerabilities and cost-effective solutions that prevent internal shrink, cash loss, theft, and fraud.
Background Investigations
- Thorough background screening of managers, security staff, staff who handle money, and others.
- I use proprietary databases that are available only to licensed firms, and I analyze the results myself as a former law enforcement officer to find red flags that automatic and instant background check services miss.
How It Works
Initial Consultation
A confidential consultation by phone or virtual meeting lasting about 15 minutes. The consultation is complimentary.
Scope and Contract
I recommend the services that fit your business's needs, and a written contract sets out the scope and terms.
Work and Reports
I work with you and your team to conduct the agreed-upon work, provide regular updates, and produce final reports.
Ready to talk it through? The initial consultation is complimentary.
My Experience
Before I founded B Safe Advisor Group, I spent more than 25 years in public safety and federal law enforcement, working as a paramedic, a local law enforcement officer, and a federal special agent. As a federal special agent with two offices of inspectors general, I led internal affairs investigations and dozens of financial fraud investigations, and I use that experience to investigate cash loss, theft, and employee misconduct. My paramedic and law enforcement experience shapes how I plan for over-service, fights, and medical emergencies. I am a licensed Virginia private investigator (DCJS) and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and I was trained as an instructor by the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency and the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Training Center. Learn more about my background.
Where I Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need all five services?
No. Each of my services is available individually or as part of a Security Director on Demand contract.
Who does the work?
I do all of the work myself. I do not hand your project to subcontractors.
Do you sell guards, cameras, or alarms?
No. I do not sell security guards, alarms, cameras, or any other products or equipment, so my advice for your bars and restaurants is independent.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on the services you choose and the size and needs of your organization. As an example, a small single-location business would pay approximately $500 per month over the course of the year under a Security Director on Demand contract and would receive: a full review and updates to all emergency plans, monthly meetings and updates, monthly drills and/or training as needed, reviews of operations to ensure compliance with security plans, unlimited consultations on investigative matters, up to two initial threat assessments every month, and the ability to contact me on an as-needed basis during typical business hours.
The services listed above are just one example of what the Security Director on Demand contract covers. During our initial consultations, I can work to tailor the contract to your specific needs.
Can you work around my business hours and busy nights?
Yes. I schedule audits, staff training, and drills around your hours, and I can observe a busy night when that is the best way to see how your procedures work in practice.
Can you investigate cash loss or employee theft?
Yes. I lead confidential investigations of cash loss, shrink, theft, fraud, and employee misconduct, and I report my findings to you in writing.
Can you help with irate, threatening, or aggressive patrons?
Yes. I train your staff in de-escalation, I develop procedures for irate, threatening, or aggressive patrons, and I assess and investigate threats, then develop threat mitigation plans to keep you and your staff safe.
Do you provide bouncers or door security?
No. I do not provide bouncers, door staff, or security guards, and I do not sell products. Instead, I provide services such as Security Director on Demand, threat assessment and management, and emergency procedures to help you prevent and respond to problems. I can also audit your entry and door procedures, investigate cash loss and employee misconduct, and train your staff to carry out your plans.
Can you help reduce over-service and liability risks?
Yes. I audit your over-service mitigation procedures, train your staff in de-escalation and emergency response, and develop plans for the situations that follow. I do not give legal advice, so I recommend that you consult your attorney about liability questions.
Do you work with multi-location restaurant and bar groups?
Yes. I work with single venues and multi-location groups throughout Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. I can audit each location and build consistent plans, training, and procedures across all of them.
Do you provide cybersecurity or point-of-sale system security?
No. I do not provide cybersecurity, online ordering, or payment card security services. My work covers the physical security of your venues, emergency planning, threats, investigations, and training, and my security audit reviews your cash handling procedures and the physical security of your point-of-sale areas. I do provide private investigations of financial fraud, credit card fraud, and identity theft related to point-of-sale systems.
Prefer to Start with One Project?
Each of my services is available individually or as part of a Security Director on Demand contract. Cash loss and theft can often lead to or also require private investigations, and bars and restaurants can often benefit from staff training, background investigations of managers and staff who handle money, and threat assessment. See my full list of services.
I serve bars and restaurants across Northern Virginia, including Loudoun County, Fairfax County, and towns such as Ashburn, Leesburg, Herndon, and Vienna. See my full service area.