Following the Cash - Security and Surveillance at the Michael Ballard's Full Throttle Saloon

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With over 30,000 visitors daily, Michael Ballard's Full Throttle Saloon is the epicenter of the Sturgis Rally. Managing the 100+ bartenders and nearly 300 employes presents its own unique challenges.

That's where security and surveillance expert Jeff Haase comes in. Haase, owener of Spearfish, South Dakota based Clearwater Security and Investigations, faces the same challenges annually during the week long Sturgis Rally at the Full Throttle Saloon.

But he's not alone.

Haase and his team of security experts have an arsenal of tools more powerful than some Las Vegas Casino's and lead the way in loss prevention, security and surveillance in Sturgis.

“Using cutting edge surveillance cameras from IQinVision (www.IQeye.com) has made the daunting task, much easier," says Haase.

But managing the network of cameras is impossible without the right software. Milestone software, www.milestonesys.com, is the solution that makes it all possible.

“Milestone software connects all of our surveillance cameras together, allowing us to choose what camera we want to zone in on.”

“Imagine trying to keep an eye on 30,000 visitors, and 100 bartenders. You've got to follow the cash, each transaction, and make sure that Ballard's money stays where its supposed to.”

“With IQinVision's Alliance Series megapixel indoor and outdoor cameras we're able to digitally pan, tilt, and zoom in, so close that we can literally count each bill that is placed in the cash register.”

Obviously Haase knows that mitigating theft is his number one priority. Over the past eight years, technology has vastly improved, making his job, much easier. But this year, Haase has added additional cameras to sensitive areas, like the Full Throttle Saloon Bank, which will allow him and his team to monitor the cash, as it makes its way through thousands of bar patrons, to the teller, and into the vault.

“The new cameras we've deployed this year in the bank, will allow us to count each bill, track what the teller is entering into the bank's computer system, and observe the teller place each cash register's net deposit in the vault."

Over 10 terabytes of video is stored, and can be recalled as necessary for law enforcement, internal documentation, or insurance purposes. Vista Networking Solutions, www.vnssystems.com provides us with the storage capabilities we need to grow and shape our video storage on demand.

And the owner agrees.

“Four out of five businesses go out of business because they get stolen from, and bars are close to the top of the list," notes Ballard.

“Its worth the investment, and its paid for itself each year,” comments Ballard with regard to the cost of maintaining such a massive surveillance system.

Managing the crowd as an incidental priority.

Although a secondary priority, managing the massive crowds at the Full Throttle Saloon is another one of Haase's objectives.

“With IQinVision products we're able to detect problems, a lot of times, before they even start.”

This critical component allows ground security staff to respond faster, and make necessary interventions before problems erupt, leading to a safer, more enjoyable, rally experience.

“But at the end of the day, its all about tracking the cash," notes Haase, and with products from IQinVision, he's able to do so.

For additional media or comments contact:

Christopher J. Donahue
Liquid Communications - PR
Telephone: 605-415-2110
Email: chris.donahue@linlarservices.com
Online: www.liquidcomm.net