2023 BEST PRACTICES AWARDS

Best Enforcement Program

n the last year , Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services has consolidated and expanded its loss prevention efforts into a comprehensive Inventory Control Loss Prevention Unit . With the addition of a manager and three field officers , ABS

by Krystina Skibo

12 has strategized the approach , written new policies , implemented user-friendly systems and increased technologies to prevent loss caused by theft , fraud , wasteful practices and operational vulnerabilities .

ICLPU started with internal business partnerships , including the retail and wholesale divisions , to analyze open / close procedures , breakage , shoplifting , customer service , record keeping and information technology . The unit then moved to external partnerships , including law enforcement , the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association and the employee labor union , for additional perspectives .

“ People initially think of shoplifting when they consider loss prevention , but this program takes a comprehensive view of the ways revenue can be lost and recovered ,” says Montgomery County Alcohol Beverages Services Director Kathie Durbin . “ The program addresses theft , but it also helps prevent fraud , wasteful practices and operational vulnerabilities . With the addition of a manager and three field officers , we will continue to assess stress points , like retail procedures , supply chain issues , shipping and receiving practices and inventory management . Ultimately , this program will ensure ongoing accountability and support for the community we serve .”

Within a few months , ICLPU developed a case management system that allows ABS employees to submit incident reports . With this information , field officers then investigate incidents and draft resolution reports that include metrics , media reports and narratives which are useful to the Police Department and State ’ s Attorneys .

Their reports contribute to arrests and prosecutions , improvements to operations and identification of loss trends . Ultimately , this data serves to increase awareness , drive change , improve collaboration and create a safer environment for employees and customers .

As an example of data-driven change , ICLPU fully revamped the department ’ s video monitoring strategy and technology . Doing so allows for high-definition images and video where it matters .

Using data collected by field officers , cameras are deployed in strategic locations with specific views of product and areas . This allows for ease of review , and reduces the amount of data exported per incident . Using up-to-date technology and techniques also allows for increased data retention on digital video servers , which in turn provides an extended date range of available footage . Not only does this assist ICLPU , but the department ’ s law enforcement partners are also thankful if video evidence is needed and available for investigations .

ICLPU has also worked very closely with the retail operations and

information technology teams to design , develop and implement a new point-of-sale and inventory management system . Over the last six months , ICLPU has provided insight and experience to systems development teams to revamp ABS ’ cash handling process , “ over and short ” reporting and inventory management process and reporting .

ICLPU ’ s involvement in the development of these systems and processes will continue to be essential in identifying and controlling vulnerabilities as they relate to sales terminals and inventory .

There is a lot of work ahead for ICLPU , but with its now-centralized resources and expertise , the unit is poised to achieve reduction in shoplifting events , product loss , point-of-sale errors and system / operational vulnerabilities . Also , it will increase efficiency of product and cash handling , thus reducing loss and exposure to potential vulnerabilities .

StateWays | www . stateways . com | Fall 2023