If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Security Services for Retail Spaces
Security, safety, and investigative services for retail spaces in Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
I am Zach Baumgart, a 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 Retail Spaces
I serve retail businesses of every type and size, including boutiques, grocery and convenience stores, jewelry stores, pharmacies, auto dealerships, shopping centers and malls, and big-box stores, from single locations to multi-location chains.
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 and the Mid-Atlantic Organized Retail Crime Alliance to combat organized retail crime (ORC).
- I conduct independent investigations of 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
- Threats and violence during retail theft are rising. Retailers reported a 17% increase in threats or acts of violence during theft incidents in 2024. Source: NRF and Loss Prevention Research Council, 2025
- I assess and investigate threats from irate, threatening, or aggressive customers and others, and help you decide 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, test, and review your loss prevention, robbery response, and life-safety procedures.
- I develop plans for threats, robberies, customer disturbances, and irate, threatening, or aggressive customers.
- I lead employee training and drills in emergency response, store protocols, and Active Threat Response, commonly referred to as active shooter or armed intruder training.
Physical Security Audits
- An independent audit of your storefronts, point-of-sale areas, inventory rooms, loading docks, and offices.
- I identify vulnerabilities to external theft, employee theft and other shrink, and physical safety threats.
Background Investigations
- Thorough background screening of employees and contractors.
- 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 store'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
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 dozens of financial fraud investigations, and I use that experience to investigate theft, shrink, organized retail crime (ORC), and employee misconduct in retail. I am an active member of the Mid-Atlantic Organized Retail Crime Alliance (MAORCA) and the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI). I am also a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and a licensed Virginia private investigator (DCJS). 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 retail spaces 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 retail 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 store hours and busy seasons?
Yes. I schedule audits and employee training around your store hours and your busiest seasons.
Can you help with organized retail crime?
Yes. I act as your liaison with law enforcement and the Mid-Atlantic Organized Retail Crime Alliance, and I offer training on retail theft and organized retail crime awareness.
Can you help with irate, threatening, or aggressive customers?
Yes. I train your employees in de-escalation, I develop procedures for irate, threatening, or aggressive customers, and I assess and investigate threats, then develop threat mitigation plans to keep you and your employees safe.
Do you provide uniformed loss prevention officers or security guards?
No. I do not provide uniformed loss prevention officers 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 and test your loss prevention procedures, investigate theft and employee misconduct, and train your employees to carry out your plans.
Do you work with multi-location retailers?
Yes. I work with single stores and multi-location retailers 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, ecommerce, or payment card security services. My work covers the physical security of your stores, emergency planning, threats, investigations, and training, and my security audit reviews the physical security of your point-of-sale areas and inventory rooms. 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. Retail theft can often lead to or also require private investigations, and retailers can often benefit from employee training, background investigations of employees and contractors, and threat assessment. See my full list of services.
I serve retail businesses across Northern Virginia, including Loudoun County, Fairfax County, and towns such as Ashburn, Leesburg, Herndon, and Vienna. See my full service area.