Navigating the complexities of expert witness testimony for premises liability and/or negligent security cases requires more than just an understanding of the security aspects of the case. Expert witnesses must be well-versed in a variety of legal principles and procedural requirements to ensure their testimony is both credible and admissible.

This guide explores the key considerations for expert witnesses, including the Frye standard, Federal Rules of Evidence 702, qualifications, relevance and reliability, expert reports, depositions, disclosure obligations, ethical standards, local court rules, and relevant case law. By mastering these elements, expert witnesses can enhance their effectiveness in court and contribute valuable insights to the judicial process.

By being aware of these considerations, an expert witness can effectively prepare and deliver credible, admissible testimony in court:

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Daubert Standard

The Daubert standard, established by the Supreme Court in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., provides a framework for determining the admissibility of expert testimony. Under this standard, the court assesses whether the expert’s testimony is based on scientifically valid reasoning and methodology. The factors considered include whether the theory or technique has been tested, subjected to peer review and publication, known or potential error rates, the existence and maintenance of standards controlling the technique’s operation, and general acceptance within the relevant scientific community. This ensures that expert testimony is not only relevant but also reliable. Learn more about the Daubert standard.

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Frye Standard

In some jurisdictions, the Frye standard is used instead of Daubert. Originating from Frye v. United States, this standard requires that the expert’s methods be generally accepted by the relevant scientific community. Unlike the Daubert standard, which involves a multi-factor analysis, the Frye standard focuses solely on the consensus within the scientific community. This means that if the scientific principles underlying the expert’s testimony are not generally accepted, the testimony will not be admitted, regardless of its potential relevance or reliability. Learn more about the Frye standard.

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Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) 702

Federal Rule of Evidence 702 governs the admissibility of expert testimony in federal courts. According to FRE 702, an expert witness must possess the necessary knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education to testify. The testimony must be based on sufficient facts or data, be the product of reliable principles and methods, and the expert must have applied these principles and methods reliably to the facts of the case. This rule ensures that expert testimony is both relevant and reliable, helping the trier of fact understand the evidence or determine a fact in issue. Learn more about FRE 702.

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Qualifications

An expert witness must demonstrate appropriate qualifications, including education, experience, training, and expertise in the relevant field. Courts scrutinize the expert’s credentials to ensure they possess the necessary background to offer an informed opinion. This can involve a detailed examination of the expert’s professional history, publications, and any prior instances of providing expert testimony. Proper qualifications help establish the credibility and authority of the expert’s testimony. Learn more about expert qualifications.

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Relevance and Reliability

The testimony provided by an expert must be both relevant to the case and based on reliable principles and methods. Relevance ensures that the testimony directly pertains to issues in the case, while reliability ensures that the testimony is based on sound scientific or technical reasoning. This often involves consideration of peer-reviewed publications, error rates, and the general acceptance of the methodology within the scientific community. Courts carefully evaluate these aspects to ensure that the testimony will assist the trier of fact in understanding the evidence or determining a fact at issue. Learn more about relevance and reliability.

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Expert Report

In many cases, experts are required to prepare a detailed report outlining their opinions, methodologies, and the basis for their conclusions. This report is subject to scrutiny by the opposing counsel and must comply with specific procedural requirements. The report should clearly articulate the expert’s findings and the reasoning behind them, providing a transparent basis for their testimony. This document becomes a critical piece of evidence, and any shortcomings can be exploited during cross-examination. Learn more about expert reports.

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Deposition and Cross-Examination

Expert witnesses must be prepared for depositions and cross-examinations, where their methodologies, qualifications, and conclusions will be challenged. During depositions, the opposing counsel will seek to uncover any weaknesses or inconsistencies in the expert’s testimony. Cross-examinations in court can be even more rigorous, requiring the expert to defend their opinions and methodologies under pressure. Effective preparation and a thorough understanding of the case are essential for withstanding these challenges. Learn more about depositions and cross-examinations.

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Disclosure Obligations

Experts must be aware of the disclosure obligations under both the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and local rules, ensuring all relevant materials and methodologies are disclosed to the opposing party. Failure to disclose required information can result in the exclusion of the expert’s testimony or other sanctions. Full compliance with these obligations promotes transparency and fairness in the legal process, allowing the opposing party to adequately prepare for cross-examination and rebuttal. Learn more about disclosure obligations.

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Ethical Standards

Maintaining high ethical standards is crucial for expert witnesses, including impartiality, honesty, and avoiding conflicts of interest. Experts should provide objective opinions based on their expertise, rather than advocating for one side. Ethical lapses can damage the credibility of the expert and undermine their testimony. Adhering to professional and ethical guidelines ensures that the expert’s contributions are respected and valued in the judicial process. Learn more about ethical standards for expert witnesses.

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Local Court Rules

Different jurisdictions may have specific rules and requirements for expert testimony. It is important for experts to be familiar with these local rules, which can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. Understanding local court procedures and expectations ensures that the expert’s testimony complies with all relevant guidelines and increases the likelihood of its admissibility. Learn more about local court rules.

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Case Law

Understanding relevant case law that may impact the admissibility of expert testimony is important. Previous rulings can provide guidance on how courts may view certain methodologies and qualifications. Staying informed about pertinent case law helps experts anticipate challenges and adapt their approach to meet judicial expectations, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and admissibility of their testimony. Learn more about case law related to expert testimony.

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Joseph M. LaSorsa, CPP® is currently a senior partner managing and conducting: Protective Operations Training Courses, Executive Protection & Bodyguard Services, Risk Management Consultations & Seminars, Security Expert Witness Testimony, Workplace Violence Prevention Seminars & Intervention Services, Security Consultations & Seminars, Private Investigations and Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures with LaSorsa & Associates – an International Protection, Investigations & Consulting Firm.

Read More About our TSCM Services

Creating a TSCM Strategy

Organizations typically initiate TSCM inspections in two scenarios:

1. Reactionary Approach:
   • “How did that information leak? We might be bugged. Let’s sweep the building.”
   • Stop, take a breath, and think. A comprehensive sweep is not always the solution. A thoughtful strategy is more effective and cost-efficient.
2. Proactive Approach:
   • “Another board I sit on saw profits rise after addressing corporate espionage.”
   • Taking corporate espionage seriously and developing a preventive strategy is an excellent investment, potentially avoiding losses altogether.

Implementing Your TSCM Program

1. Select a TSCM Consultant:
   • Choose a knowledgeable and experienced consultant to create an effective strategy and avoid costly mistakes.
2. Create a List:
   • Identify the most sensitive areas in your organization such as boardrooms, executive suite offices, vehicles, and key departments like HR, Legal, R&D, and Marketing.
3. Include All Sensitive Locations:
   • Plan for all sensitive locations, including remote facilities and regional offices, to take advantage of potential operation discounts.
4. Consider Privacy Areas:
   • Include restrooms, locker rooms, gyms, and changing rooms used by the public, employees, or guests to mitigate the risk of amateur spy-camera incidents.
5. Prioritize Your List:
   • Focus on areas where electronic surveillance would cause the most damage, such as loss of competitive advantage, cost, reputation, business, or confidentiality. Nearby areas may benefit from radio-frequency and Wi-Fi security analysis at no extra charge.
6. Assign Inspection Frequency:
   • Set inspection frequencies to limit vulnerabilities and establish due diligence. Frequency may also be a factor in court for determining “trade secret” status.

Learn More about our TSCM Training

Making Your TSCM Program Cost-Effective

• Schedule According to Vulnerability Levels:
  • Assign periodic schedules (e.g., monthly, quarterly, biannually) to areas like boardrooms, executive suites, IT closets, and corporate vehicles, especially if they are protected by other security layers and have limited outside access.
• Per-Event Inspections:
  • Schedule inspections for board meetings, off-site meetings, and visitor/vendor negotiation rooms on a per-event basis.
• Executive Inspections:
  • For less critical executives, inspections once or twice per year may suffice.

Obtaining a Written Estimate

Provide your TSCM consultant with a priority list, floor map, and square footage of the areas involved. Special items, like audio-visual or communications equipment, should also be considered. If exact square footage isn’t available, estimates can be made from a floor map and verified during inspection.

Scheduling Simplicity

Your TSCM consultant will manage scheduling, travel arrangements, and reminders. Plan must-have dates (e.g., board meetings, special events) annually, and let your consultant suggest tentative dates for periodic inspections. If scheduling conflicts arise due to emergency inspections for other clients, rescheduling can be mutually agreed upon, ensuring priority treatment when needed.

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Conclusion

With a comprehensive TSCM strategy in place, you can confidently cover this critical aspect of your security program. We work with security directors to provide specialized services tailored to your organization’s needs. Thank you for considering our services. We look forward to collaborating with you.

For more detailed information, refer to our how-to blog on TSCM: How to Conduct a Basic TSCM Bug Sweep.

Let’s delve into why performing a basic physical site survey is paramount for safeguarding your premises. Here are the basics on How to Conduct a Basic Physical Security Site Survey:

Click Here for more info on our Security Consulting Training Course

Understanding Vulnerabilities: Every location possesses its unique set of vulnerabilities. A physical site survey enables us to identify and understand these vulnerabilities comprehensively. From weak entry points to blind spots in surveillance coverage, uncovering potential security gaps is the first step towards mitigating risks effectively.

Tailored Security Solutions: No two sites are identical, and neither should be their security strategies. By conducting a thorough site survey, we gain valuable insights into the specific security needs of each location. This allows us to tailor security solutions that are not only robust but also aligned with the distinct requirements and challenges of your premises.

Preventing Unauthorized Access: The perimeter of any property is its first line of defense. During a physical site survey, we meticulously assess perimeter security measures such as fencing, gates, lighting, and signage. By ensuring their integrity and effectiveness, we deter unauthorized access and enhance overall security posture.

Optimizing Surveillance Coverage: Surveillance cameras are invaluable tools for monitoring and deterring suspicious activities. However, inadequate coverage or blind spots can compromise their effectiveness. Through a site survey, we strategically position cameras to maximize coverage while minimizing blind spots, ensuring comprehensive surveillance of your premises.

Enhancing Emergency Preparedness: In times of crisis, preparedness is paramount. A physical site survey encompasses evaluating emergency exits, evacuation plans, and the availability of emergency equipment. By identifying potential obstacles and weaknesses in emergency protocols, we empower you to respond swiftly and effectively to any unforeseen circumstances.

Meeting Regulatory Requirements: Compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines is non-negotiable when it comes to security. Whether it’s adherence to fire codes, building regulations, or industry standards like ISO 27001, PCI DSS, etc., our site surveys ensure that your security measures meet or exceed the necessary compliance requirements.

Peace of Mind: Ultimately, a basic physical site survey offers peace of mind. Knowing that your premises have been thoroughly assessed and fortified against potential threats instills confidence and reassurance. It allows you to focus on your core activities with the assurance that your security needs are in expert hands.

Click Here for a Free Basic Physical Security Site Survey Checklist

We believe that proactive security measures are the cornerstone of a safe and secure environment. Our commitment to excellence drives us to conduct meticulous physical site surveys, empowering our clients to mitigate risks effectively and safeguard their assets.

Contact us for more info or to schedule a site survey and take the first step towards strengthening your security posture.

Read More about our Security Consulting Services

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Ensure you have the following current, and immediately available electronically:

• Resume, licenses, certificates, LEO credentials, etc. preferably combined into a reduced-size pdf. Tip: You can compile this information in an email, send it to yourself, and simply forward it when you need to send it to someone else. You can also compile this information into a ‘note’ on your mobile to easily copy/paste when needed.

Helpful Link – Resumes: /resume-cover-letter-template/

• Have a professional (or at least something presentable, not a mirror selfie) headshot and full-body photo in professional attire

• Update and complete a LinkedIn profile and claim your name as your URL. Have the URL handy to copy/paste

• Have your bio information in plain text handy – in short paragraphs detail your professional experience, achievements in education, professional licenses, relevant certifications, driver’s license information, and contact information – have this ready to copy/paste into a bio template 

Helpful link – L&A Bio template: /wp-content/uploads/2023/08/LA-Bio-Template-July-2023.docx

• Create a one page bio (link above) as it’s something we frequently ask IC’s for, and the faster the response the better.

• Have your references compiled and ready to copy/paste

• Have a signed and completed W9 ready electronically.

Helpful Link – Download W9 Here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

• Create a ‘contact card’ by creating a contact for yourself in your phone so you are able to share it to someone easily. Include your name, photo, location/services, mobile # and email

• Create an invoice template for yourself so all you have to do is fill in the blanks.

Helpful Link – L&A sub-invoice template: /wp-content/uploads/2022/06/LA-SUB-Invoice-Template-2022.xlsx

• Bonus Tip: I strongly recommend labeling your documents like this “W9 LastName, FirstName 2022.pdf”

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Good luck!

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Joseph LaSorsa, CPP® is currently employed as a senior partner managing and conducting: Protective Operations Training Courses, Executive Protection & Bodyguard Services, Risk Management Consultations & Seminars, Workplace Violence Prevention Seminars & Intervention Services, Security Consultations & Seminars, Private Investigations and Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures with LaSorsa & Associates – an International Protection, Investigations & Consulting Firm.

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A residential security detail is often thought of and described as boring, uneventful, and unnecessary by agents that feel they are “stuck” working in a static security position. However, residential security is a crucial process that bears the same importance as escorting a client to exotic locations and high-profile events.

The terms used above were some of the exact phrases used by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers assigned to the property of Prime Minister Jean Chrétien before the night of November 5^th, 1995. What started as a quiet Sunday evening turned to chaos at 2:33am as an assassination attempt was made on the Prime Minister and his wife Aline.

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Property Layout

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Incident

Andre Dallaire, a 34-year-old male breached the fence of the PM’s residence, which set off an alarm, and proceeded to move toward the house unobserved by RCMP officers on duty. Security camera footage later revealed that Andre had wandered around the property for 20 minutes, waved at the security cameras and threw a rock through a window to access the residence. He made his way toward the master bedroom with a knife where he was confronted by Aline before she retreated into the room locking the door behind her and informing her husband of the intruder. Prime Minister Chrétien dismissed her warnings as “a bad dream” but she immediately called the RCMP officers stationed in the gate house by the end of the driveway. After her phone call, seven minutes passed before the RCMP officers arrived at the bedroom door to arrest Andre and take positive control the property.

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Opportunities for Improvement

When a mission fails, leaders have an obligation to find out what happened, who was involved, where it happened, when it happened, how it happened, and why it happened. Once this information is consolidated, leaders must take action to mitigate future risk and increase performance levels for future tasks.

• The officers were not positioned to provide additional layers of protection around the residence
• The officers were consolidated into one corner of the property
• There was no investigation performed for the tripped alarm
• The “patrolling officer” was not notified of the tripped alarm
• The cameras were not being monitored by any of the officers at the RCMP hut
• The “patrolling officer” did not observe the intruder while on patrol although he was visible and obvious to the cameras
• The officers misplaced the key to the residence
• The “patrolling officers” were not issued additional keys to access more than one door at a time
• The officers secured the perimeter before moving inside to assist the PM and his wife
• The officers provided no instruction to the PM or his wife over the phone
• There was a 7-minute response time for the officers to move from the RCMP hut to the bedroom door
• Several officers spoke negatively to the press about the residential security assignment

It is generally not extremely difficult to consolidate information for the first 5 parts of this assessment model. However, it is generally not easy to understand why an incident occurred or where the poor performance began. Each one of the bullet points above represents an issue that would likely have been prevented by proactive leadership. Great leaders build quality systems for their teams to function within. Let dive in a little deeper to review the underlying factors that have been found to habitually contribute to team performance across most organizations.

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Human Capital

Human capital is the single most important piece of exemplary team performance. Simply stated, if you hire the correct people, fewer issues will exist, and many problems will be solved at lower levels in the organization. This is important if the organization is attempting to provide services on a larger scale because leaders cannot feasibly make every decision for their team members as the company grows. New hires shouldn’t only have relevant experience for the position. They should also be the right “fit” for the company culture. This issue of the right “fit” is where most organizations miss the hiring objective. There are many talented people that would be better suited to work for your competitor because they will clash with your organizations values, policies, objectives, and trajectory. Also, relevant soft skills should be non-negotiable for all people occupying leadership positions.

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Relevant Training

It is important to hire people that meet a baseline of knowledge, but it is also important to conduct internal training for team members. Many companies are reliant upon the training that employees received in other companies/segments within the industry. It is also important to understand that similar training is not the same as relevant training. One example we can pull from this incident is the RCMP’s response to Madam Chrétien’s call for help. In most cases, police personnel are trained to secure a perimeter, wait for backup then enter a structure or pursue an assailant. That training is relevant for most police operations however, this trained response almost cost the Prime Minister and his wife their lives. It is important to remember that under stress people revert to their training and will usually do what they have done thousands of times before. This is why consistent and relevant training is needed for every specialization within the organization.

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Effective SOP’s/Policies

Standard operating procedures are important for establishing organizational norms that result in productivity. Every high performing organization has SOP’s/polices in place to not only set standards for incidents that may commonly occur but also to guide team members in the right direction if they must make a decision on something that is not written in the policy. The record of this incident does not reveal the policies of the RCMP however, we can deduce two things from the outcome. Either the policies were not followed by the officer, or the policies were not relevant to the task, threat, and environment. It is impossible to hold people to a standard that does not exist or has not been communicated. Effective policies also allow organizations to enact the next part of this model which is accountability.

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Accountability

Accountability is not difficult, but it is also not a popular subject amongst many managers. If your SOP’s and policies are guiding the organization, accountability is simply enforcing those SOP’s and policies. If you hire or promote the wrong leaders this task will not be accomplished for two reasons. #1 Improper hires may not be willing to bear the unpopularity that comes with enforcing policies with team members. #2 Improper hires may lack the awareness to understand the difference between defiance, negligence, and ignorance in their subordinates. Hiring leaders with these necessary soft skills will result in employee retention and workplace satisfaction. In this case the officers spoke negatively about the detail calling it boring and uneventful. Explaining and highlighting the value that team members bring to their jobs and the necessity of their performance is a part of creating an atmosphere of accountability.

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Customer Service

Many people that work in the security and law enforcement industries do not think of customer service as vital to their job function. In this case the only contact the officers had with the client was the call for help made by Madam Chrétien. No questions were asked, and no instructions were given to the PM’s wife by the officer that picked up the phone. Customer service is about anticipating the needs of your client and your team. Asking relevant questions and providing updates to the client and the team is vital to mission success. Prime Minister Chrétien was so angry with the RCMP that the assigned officers and their supervisors were suspended and/or reassigned. He also suggested in a later statement that it was his belief that the guards were caught sleeping by the assailant. Remember that the client’s perspective may not always be accurate, but it is often the only one that matters.

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David Hobson, MBA is a project manager for LaSorsa and Associates, and former US Army Airborne Infantryman.

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References

Four Mounties Suspended After Break-in at Prime Minister’s Home. (n.d.). AP NEWS. https://apnews.com/article/ec59402f0e79e52399e4fa69d2f89132

Wikipedia Contributors. (2022, April 4). André Dallaire. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andr%C3%A9_Dallaire

‌ November 5, C. B. C., & 2021. (2021, November 5). Canadian PM’s Wife Stops Murder Attempt by Locking Door | RealClearHistory. Www.realclearhistory.com. https://www.realclearhistory.com/2021/11/05/canadian_pms_wife_stops_murder_attempt_by_locking_door_802080.html#

Farnsworth, C. H. (1995, November 7). Intruder Is Charged With Attempted Murder of Canada’s Premier. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/07/world/intruder-is-charged-with-attempted-murder-of-canada-s-premier.html

Gourgon, J. (2022, May 11). Break in at Prime Ministers Home [Review of Break in at Prime Ministers Home].

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Criticality is the measurement of the degree to which an organization or individual depends on a person, system, or information for what they have defined as success. Some examples of critical individuals include but are not limited to C-suite employees, politicians, professional athletes, artists, and celebrities. These high performers are typically high net worth individuals and are at an increased risk for death threats, assassination attempts, kidnappings, and extortion. However, many people that occupy these positions understand their criticality and have hired security professionals to protect them and their assets.

Most entities recognize the criticality of these high performing individuals but many individuals and organizations overlook the need of security for their family members. This has been a well- documented issue for a century and was most recently highlighted in December of 2021 in the attempted kidnapping of NHL legend Patrick Marleau’s son at a hotel pool. Patrick did not have a personal security team and the kidnapping would have likely been a success if not for a random hotel guest intervening on the child’s behalf.

Tushar Atre, the CEO of Atrenet, a digital marketing firm, was kidnapped while sleeping in his bed and later killed in October of 2019. The assailants were disgruntled employees that collected a ransom and then decided to kill him anyway. He was found in his BMW parked on a property that he owned. Besides the horrific effect that his death had on his family, Atrenet suffered as well and is now attempting to revitalize the company. It is also relevant to acknowledge that this story indicates that people do not have to be instantly recognizable to the public to be targeted by criminals.

The budget and personnel required for effective security may look different for different people and organizations based on the CARVER measurements and the Executive Security Risk Assessment. Higher risk requires additional resources to preserve the safety, security, and reputation of the client. For example, in 2020, Facebook spent 23.4 million dollars for personal security for Mark Zuckerberg and his family. An additional consideration for publicly traded companies, is the effect that a security related incident may have on the share price. If an incident affects the share price, it will likely increase the volatility of the stock and deter large investors. This can result in short term financial damage for the company.

Accessibility is the measurement of how likely a person or group can exploit a system or entity. This measurement has proven to be one of the most relevant and one of the most overlooked by individuals and organizations. Individuals that have been chosen as targets are usually chosen because they are deemed to be more accessible than other potential targets. Criminals generally weigh the probability of success with what is to be gained from their criminal activities. If a politician has a Secret Service detail with them around the clock, they are not as accessible as a person who has a no security or a limited security presence. A common mistake is to assume that assailants are not interested in targeting people that are not easily recognizable to the public. It is improper to assume that these people do not need protection.

A good example of this mistake is the kidnapping of Kevyn Wynn the daughter of casino operations manager Steve Wynn. Steve had overseen the construction and operation of several Las Vegas casinos including the The Mirage. Two men broke into Kevyn’s condo and forced her to call her father on his car phone. When Steve received this call, he thought that it was a joke
because he had assumed that his status was not high enough to attract this kind of behavior towards his family. The men demanded that he consolidate and deliver bags of cash from The Mirage as a ransom for his daughter. The ransom was paid and they recovered Kevyn around midnight in an airport parking lot. Steve later learned that the assailants forced Kevyn into an
inappropriate photo shoot which they threatened to release publicly if there was an investigation into the crime. Steve was not a celebrity or even a CEO but he was critical enough to serve the purpose of the assailants.

Criticality and accessibility are not restricted to the physical security of people. They also apply to critical infrastructure and cyber security as well. Hiring a trained security professional to analyze and optimize the information that can be found on the open web is a necessity because the internet is the primary source of general information for criminals. For example, the children’s sports teams, game schedules, locations, and times can usually be found online. This information cannot always be restricted but having the awareness of its existence allows security teams to accurately assess the risk and reduce the impact of vulnerabilities. When analyzing the relationship between the two, it is important to recognize that risk lies where criticality and accessibility intersect. Although these two are truly relevant factors in assessing risk, they are not enough by themselves to properly identify and understand entire picture. The other elements of the CARVER model are also important for creating a comprehensive risk profile. I would recommend hiring an experienced, licensed, and reputable security company to perform an Executive Security Risk Assessment and explain the details of their findings.

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David Hobson, MBA is a project manager for LaSorsa and Associates, and former US Army Airborne Infantryman.

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Yacht Security is no different than any other security venue.

The same issues of asset protection are the same in most applications. The risks and exposures and the countermeasures applied to mitigate the risks and exposures may change due to environment, geographic and the budget available.

Any target can be compromised if the attacker has sufficient reason/motive and resources to apply to the mission.

What is to stop a militant group from deploying a nuclear device in one of our cities? What is to stop a mentally ill individual or a member of a subversive group from bombing an office building, school, airport, etc.? We can go on and on with ‘what if’s’.

The bottom line is security countermeasures primarily mitigate most risks and exposures facing a particular venue or site. A site can be built up with security countermeasures to a Fort Knox level and, the measures can potentially compromised.

Security Systems Integration which enhanced security countermeasures need to be augmented with highly trained security personnel, trained to detect, identify, escalate and possibly intervene to prevent loss to life and property.

The Risk Mitigation Process begins with the conduct of a Security Assessment, covering, but not limited to, the following areas:

1.  Physical Security Operations & existing Policies
2.  Guards/manpower/scheduling
3.  Crime Statistics Analysis
4.  Perimeter Security
5.  Security Systems Integration

• Intrusion Detection
• CCTV
• Access Control

Additional areas which can be addressed:

• IT Infrastructure & Protocols
• Financial Operations
• Applicant Screening and Background Investigation Procedures
• Workplace Violence Training and Intervention

Hope this helps answer the question the reader posed.

Questions about this article and or General Security issues can be addressed to the author:
Joseph A. LaSorsa, CPP
Email: info@lasorsa.com
Website: lasorsa.com

School violence

This tragedy is one of the hardest of all of the past incidents to deal with because of who it affected and how it affected them. We should keep in mind, however, this is not one of the traditional school violence incidents. This perpetrator was an individual who was an unknown to the school administration and an outsider. There’s a clear common element in most mass shootings – the perpetrator was mentally ill or completely went off the deep end when committing this heinous act and the perpetrator was focused on Targeted Violence and intent on inflicting mass harm in the effort.

In the Newtown incident, it seems the shooter’s mental condition deteriorated rapidly and/or too quickly to be noticed and to have had any positive intervention.

What can we do?

• Should school districts conduct Security Audits and Assessments to evaluate their current security policies, protocols and security systems? Of course.
• Should security policy dictate more stringent access control measures be put in place? Absolutely.
• Should the school administrators request to have their physical security systems upgraded? Of course.
• Should school security policy dictate the use of security guards on their premises during and after school hours? Yes.

Individuals and media pose and throw out questions like: should schools have metal detectors? Should they employ armed guards? How much security is enough? These are questions and issues which can be considered by consultants and administrators on a case by case basis, however, the answer is not in militarizing our society and it’s institutions. We need to enhance security countermeasures across the board and understand the main cause of the problem we are facing in our society today, which is the lack of institutionalization and proper treatment of the severely mentally ill.

Let’s step back and consider a fact. Very few of us know of anyone or their relative or friend that is institutionalized. The asylums don’t exist in the numbers they existed years ago. Because of the current mental treatment trends, the mentally ill and criminally insane live among us and in our neighborhoods. We have had mall, movie theatre and school mass shootings. We have to ask ourselves: why are these individuals killing people? What is/was the root cause of their actions?

In addition to the above, the government and society watchdogs should monitor and control the sale of violent video games kids are allowed to watch instead of healthy diversions like sports and homework.

Erosion of traditional family values; doing away with God and Faith; society and the media sponsoring and selling violent video games; lack of institutionalization of the criminally insane – all combine to give us a lethal, explosive combination of nasty, violent ingredients!

Do we need to implement additional and stricter policies and procedures for the acquisition of assault weapons? Yes.
Do we need to be more security aware and vigilant? Yes.

Guns, like alcohol during Prohibition and illegal drugs today – will still be available to the criminals and those who are willing to pay the black market prices. A total ban will just insure that the only people possessing assault rifles will be the military, Law Enforcement and of course, criminals!!!

In order for our society to realize any serious positive outcomes of any gun control legislation or enhanced security measures across the board, we will also at the same time need to address the very serious issue of the limited number of mental institutions available capable of incarceration of the severely mentally ill and the criminally insane and society’s attitudes toward the treatment of the severely mentally ill.

These combined efforts are the countermeasures we can reasonably implement and hopefully, will be adequate enough to prevent or limit the type of disasters and massacres which have been occurring all too frequently.

Note: Questions about this article and or School Security issues can be addressed to the author: Joseph A. LaSorsa, CPP
Email: info@lasorsa.com
Website: lasorsa.com

Issues such as advances in technology that have made so many of today’s business opportunities possible, also make life easier for perpetrators of fraud, identity theft, corporate spying, and computer hacking…even terrorism. Criminals can find your vulnerabilities and how to exploit them. Because of this, the corporate security consultant you choose must have the depth of experience and professionally trained staff to understand and recommend solutions that will work for you and your business and its various locations.