A security expert witness provides evidence and testimony that often determines the outcome of a case.
William S. Marcisz, JD CPP CHPA is uniquely qualified as a Security Expert Witness. Bill has over 30 years of Security experience and is a licensed Attorney with experience managing and litigating Complex Legal Matters in Premises Liability, Employment Law, Healthcare, Medical Malpractice, Pharmaceuticals, and Product Defects. He has studied Violent Crime and Workplace Violence extensively and is known and respected within the Security Community.
Bill holds two Board Certifications. He is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) through the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), and is a Certified Healthcare Protection Associate (CHPA) through the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS). Bill has developed and led Security Programs that have set standards, benchmarks and have received national awards for distinction. Bill has been reviewed by peers in the Security Industry and has been individually recognized as a distinguished leader and innovator.
Expert Witness Consultant
Objective Analysis & Professional TestimonyWilliam S. Marcisz offers objective, evidence-based analysis grounded in decades of real-world experience in law enforcement, private security, and threat management throughout the U.S. He assists both plaintiffs and defendants in building strong, fact-supported arguments that clarify complex security issues in legal proceedings.
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SECURITY EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES
As a security and workplace violence consultant with Strategic Security Management Consulting, Bill Marcisz provides Case Review, Consultation, Assessments, Evaluation, Affidavits, Opinion Statements, Depositions, Trial Appearances and other Litigation Support to both Plaintiffs and Defendants in matters relating to:
Negligent Security Expert Witness
SSMC provides Expert Witness services in cases involving Violence, Workplace Violence, Negligent Security, Inadequate Security, Use of Force, Wrongful Death, Foreseeability, Failure to Protect, and Premises Liability. In the context of security, we review, evaluate and support cases relating to Negligent Hiring, Training, Retention, Supervision, as well as Negligent or Inadequate Policies & Processes relating to Workplace Violence Prevention and Loss Prevention. Contact us to speak with a Workplace Violence & Negligent Security Expert Witness today or call us at (407) 385-9167.Expert Witness Firms
Looking for an expert witness firm that can bring clarity and credibility to your case? Whether you’re dealing with negligent security claims, premises liability, workplace violence, or criminal acts on commercial property, we break down what happened, what protocols were followed or ignored, and if industry standards were applied, so that you can prove your case.
We don’t just offer opinions, we deliver insight backed by verifiable facts, risk assessments, and applicable security protocols. Our findings are presented in a manner accessible to both attorneys and jurors, making us a strategic asset in pre-trial analysis, depositions, and courtroom testimony.
SSMC can help your case by:
- Reviewing incident reports, surveillance footage, and security logs.
- Evaluating the foreseeability and adequacy of security measures.
- Identifying deviations from industry standards or accepted practices.
- Providing written opinions, affidavits, or live testimony in court.
Whether you’re representing a hospital or care center, a property owner, an insurance company, or an injury victim, our expert witness consultants are equipped to support your case with professionalism and precision.
What is a Security Expert Witness?
A security expert witness is a professional with extensive experience in security operations, law enforcement, or risk management. They provide expert opinions in legal cases that challenge safety, crime prevention, or security failures.
These professionals play a crucial role in helping courts determine whether proper safety protocols were followed or whether negligence, lack of oversight, or inadequate security contributed to an incident. Their testimony can be pivotal in cases involving workplace violence, assault, theft, vandalism, or injuries that occur on commercial or public property.
Security expert witnesses are often asked to:
- Analyze the adequacy of lighting, surveillance, or personnel at the time of the incident.
- Evaluate whether crimes were foreseeable based on location history and known risks.
- Review policies, training records, or patrol procedures to determine compliance.
- Explain complex security systems, guard post orders, or site vulnerabilities to a jury.
- Compare actions taken against industry standards or state-specific regulations.
Because their insights are grounded in real-world experience and established security practices, these experts help attorneys build stronger arguments, enabling judges and jurors to make better-informed decisions.
What is the role of a security expert witness?
The role of a security expert witness is to assess security measures, identify breaches of duty or industry standards, and explain how these factors may have caused an incident. Their testimony helps the court understand details that affect liability or negligence.
In practice, this means translating technical evaluations into clear, courtroom-ready insights. Security expert witnesses connect the dots between facts, like staffing levels, patrol logs, or surveillance blind spots, and the standards expected of property owners or businesses. They help establish whether the level of security provided was reasonable, proportional to known risks, and aligned with common practices in similar environments.
Their role also includes:
- Collaborating with legal teams during discovery.
- Preparing reports that stand up to cross-examination.
- Participating in depositions or mediations to clarify disputed facts.
- Offering impartial, evidence-based conclusions without advocacy bias.
By bridging the gap between security protocols and legal accountability, expert witnesses provide the court with the context it needs to evaluate whether actions taken (or not taken) contributed to the harm.
What type of evidence is gathered in a lawsuit by a security expert witness?
Security expert witnesses gather various types of evidence, including:
- Surveillance footage
- Access control records
- Security guard reports
- Lighting and camera placement documents
- Training materials
- Crime statistics
- This evidence helps determine if proper precautions were taken.
Beyond collecting these materials, the expert’s role involves analyzing how each piece of evidence relates to the circumstances of the incident. They assess whether the systems in place (such as patrol frequency, incident response protocols, or access control measures) were reasonable and effective given the environment and known risks.
Depending on the case, the evidence may also include:
- Incident and maintenance logs to identify security system malfunctions or gaps.
- Property layouts and architectural plans to evaluate sightlines and blind spots.
- Witness statements or depositions from staff and third parties.
- Historical crime data to assess the foreseeability of the event.
Industry guidelines or standards applicable to the property type (e.g., hospital or care center, commercial retail, or event venues)
Once this evidence is reviewed, the security expert uses it to form an opinion on whether industry norms were followed and whether any lapses in protocol may have contributed to the incident under legal scrutiny.
What type of legal proceeding might require the testimony of a security expert witness?
The testimony of a security expert witness may be needed in civil cases like negligent security, premises liability, wrongful death, or workplace violence. They might also testify in criminal cases, insurance disputes, or corporate investigations where evaluating security practices is vital.
In civil litigation, their insights often help determine whether a property owner, business, or security firm failed to provide reasonable protection, contributing to an assault, theft, or injury. Their analysis can influence outcomes in high-stakes lawsuits involving hospitals and health centers, apartment complexes, shopping centers, hotels, nightclubs, and schools.
- Negligent security claims where a victim was harmed due to a lack of patrols, faulty locks, or poor lighting
- Workplace violence cases involving insider threats, improper access control, or failure to respond to warning signs
- Wrongful death lawsuits stemming from preventable violent incidents
- Insurance coverage disputes where liability depends on whether security protocols were followed
- Criminal trials requiring expert interpretation of surveillance gaps, response times, or guard actions
- Corporate and internal investigations evaluating breach of duty in sensitive environments like data centers or financial institutions
Their testimony provides the court with an objective lens on what should have been done, what was actually done, and whether that gap contributed to the outcome.
To inquire about security expert witness services, please contact us by completing a contact form or calling (407) 385-9167.
Key Responsibilities and Expertise of a Security Expert Witness:
A security expert witness is key in legal cases about poor or negligent security. They review case materials and apply industry standards. They also provide clear and unbiased opinions. This helps the court understand complex safety and risk management issues.
Their responsibilities begin with a thorough review of all available evidence, including surveillance footage, incident reports, staffing schedules, maintenance logs, and any relevant security documentation. They compare what occurred to what should have occurred, using industry benchmarks, regional standards, and their own professional experience.
Key areas of expertise often include:
- Premises security assessments to evaluate vulnerabilities in physical environments
- Security operations management, including guard deployment, supervision, and emergency protocols
- Access control and surveillance systems, analyzing their adequacy, placement, and maintenance
- Crime foreseeability evaluations, using historical crime data and environmental risk factors
- Training and compliance review, determining if personnel were properly vetted and prepared
Beyond technical evaluation, a security expert witness must also communicate their findings clearly, whether through written reports, depositions, or in-court testimony. Their ability to explain industry standards in a way that juries and judges can understand is crucial to their effectiveness.
In many cases, their insight becomes a deciding factor in determining whether reasonable security was provided or whether failures directly contributed to harm or loss.
a. Provide Expert Testimony:
Security expert witnesses offer testimony based on their professional knowledge and experience. Their insights help judges and juries see if reasonable security measures were used. They explain what went wrong and whether those issues led to the incident.
Their testimony often includes a breakdown of how the property or organization’s actions aligned, or failed to align, with established security standards. This might involve pointing out inadequate lighting, missing security patrols, malfunctioning cameras, or poor staff training that contributed to the conditions leading up to an incident.
During trial or deposition, expert testimony can:
- Clarify how specific policies or procedures should have been implemented.
- Establish whether a breach of duty occurred, based on industry norms.
- Explain how the timeline of events reflects preventable or foreseeable risk.
- Provide comparisons to how similar facilities typically manage security.
Importantly, their role is not to argue one side of the case, but to present an impartial, fact-driven interpretation of what happened and whether reasonable care was exercised. When well-delivered, expert testimony can be a powerful tool in proving or refuting claims of negligence.
b. Analyze Security Operations:
Experts closely examine security operations. They review:
- Staffing
- Patrol procedures
- Access control systems
- Emergency protocols
- Surveillance coverage
- Response times
Beyond this initial checklist, a thorough operational analysis digs into the quality and consistency of each element.
The expert also assesses how well the security plan matches the property’s unique risk profile, factoring in crime statistics, foot-traffic patterns, and previous incident reports. By mapping emergency protocols to real-world response times, they can determine if drills and training translate into effective action during an event.
Ultimately, this granular review allows the expert to produce a gap analysis that highlights where operational practices fell short of industry standards and how those shortcomings may have contributed to the incident under litigation.
This helps them see if the property owner or business took the right steps to protect people.
c. Evaluate Foreseeability:
A core aspect of many security-related cases is whether a crime or incident was foreseeable. The expert reviews local crime data, past incidents on the property, and environmental conditions. They do this to see if the risk should have been expected and handled.
Foreseeability plays a crucial role in determining whether a property owner or business has a duty to act. If similar incidents occurred nearby or on-site (such as assaults, robberies, or break-ins), the expert assesses whether these patterns should have prompted the implementation of enhanced security measures.
To make this determination, the expert may:
- Analyze police reports and crime maps within a specified radius.
- Review calls for service or incident logs tied to the location.
- Examine lighting, access points, or concealment areas that elevate risk.
- Compare the property’s security posture to that of similar venues in the area.
The goal is not only to prove that the crime was possible, but that it was reasonably predictable based on prior trends. If the evidence shows a pattern of escalating incidents or known vulnerabilities, failing to address those risks may constitute negligence. The expert’s evaluation of foreseeability provides courts with a factual basis for determining whether the harm could, and should have been, prevented.
d. Assess Security Standards:
Security expert witnesses look at what property owners, managers, or security providers do. They compare these actions to industry standards and best practices. They check for any deviations from set protocols. This can show negligence or a lack of proper protection.
Areas of Expertise of a Security Expert Witness
Security expert witnesses bring specialized knowledge across a wide range of security-related topics. Their role often requires deep familiarity with policies, technologies, personnel procedures, and risk prevention strategies that directly affect public safety, liability, and compliance. Below are key areas where their expertise is often applied in legal proceedings:
a. Premises Liability and Security Negligence: Assessing Security Measures Related to Public or Private Property
In cases involving injuries, assaults, or criminal activity on a property, a security expert witness evaluates whether reasonable measures were taken to protect tenants, customers, or visitors. They examine factors such as lighting, access control, surveillance coverage, and the property’s crime history to determine whether the incident was preventable. Their analysis helps identify breaches in the duty of care and whether security negligence contributed to the harm.
b. Workplace Violence Prevention: Evaluating Security Measures Related to Preventing Workplace Violence
Security experts assess whether a business or organization had adequate protocols in place to prevent workplace violence. This includes reviewing employee screening practices, training programs, reporting systems, and emergency response plans. They determine whether management took appropriate steps to detect warning signs, address internal threats, and protect staff from foreseeable acts of violence.
c. Active Shooter Preparedness: Assessing Emergency Response Plans for Active Shooter Events
In today’s risk landscape, preparedness for active shooter incidents is essential. A security expert witness evaluates whether the property had a clear, tested, and effective active shooter response plan. This includes reviewing staff training records, communication protocols, lockdown procedures, and coordination with law enforcement. Their analysis determines if the response plan met best practices and whether lapses contributed to casualties or injuries.
d. Security Officer Operations: Evaluating the Performance and Effectiveness of Security Personnel
Security officers are often the first line of defense, and their performance can make or break a case. Expert witnesses examine hiring practices, training standards, patrol logs, incident reports, and command structures to assess whether guards acted in accordance with policy and industry standards. They also evaluate whether the deployment of personnel was appropriate for the threat level and environment.
e. Physical Security Systems: Assessing the Effectiveness of Security Technologies, Including Surveillance Systems
Technology plays a central role in modern security. Experts review the placement, function, and maintenance of security technologies like CCTV systems, alarms, electronic access controls, and perimeter barriers. They determine whether these systems were designed and managed effectively and whether any failures in the technology contributed to the incident in question.
To inquire about security expert witness services, please contact us by completing a contact form or calling (407) 385-9167.
Qualifications of a Security Expert Witness:
When your legal case demands credible, courtroom-tested expertise in security matters, SSMC Security delivers a level of authority and professionalism that few can match. With a rare combination of legal knowledge, deep field experience, and national recognition, SSMC provides attorneys and insurance professionals with expert witness services that stand up to cross-examination and scrutiny.
Why SSMC Security Is the Expert Witness Partner You Can Trust
1. Relevant Education
At the core of SSMC is William S. Marcisz, JD, CPP, CHPA, a licensed attorney with a Juris Doctor degree and certifications as a Certified Protection Professional and Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator. His multidisciplinary education ensures a strong foundation in both legal and physical security standards.
2. Field Experience
Mr. Marcisz brings over 40 years of leadership experience in legal, corporate, and healthcare security. From advising hospital systems to managing enterprise-wide security operations, his practical knowledge gives legal teams the strategic advantage they need when evaluating use-of-force incidents, access control failures, or premises liability claims.
3. Specialized Training
SSMC’s expertise is supported by advanced training in threat assessments, workplace violence prevention, healthcare emergency management, and physical security design. Mr. Marcisz has led security initiatives in hospitals, corporate campuses, retail environments, and public venues, offering a 360° view of vulnerabilities and liabilities.
4. Credibility & Professional Background
William S. Marcisz is a member of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS). His career includes senior leadership roles in healthcare and corporate security, and he currently serves as President and Chief Consultant at Strategic Security Management Consulting, Inc. His extensive background supports a highly credible and legally sound approach to expert testimony.
5. Publications & Media Contributions
Mr. Marcisz has published numerous articles in national security journals and regularly contributes to the professional dialogue through webinars and podcasts. His appearances include:
- Securing Hospitals & Healthcare Workplace from Violence (Webinar)
- The Legal Implications of Negligent Security (Podcast)
- Top 10 Mistakes in Physical Security Strategy (Guest Panelist)
These public contributions reinforce his standing as a thought leader and offer a documented trail of his subject matter expertise.
6. Prior Testimony & Client Portfolio
SSMC has served as an expert witness in many cases across the U.S., offering litigation support on:
- Negligent security and premises liability
- Healthcare and hospital workplace violence
- Security operations and policies
- Employment disputes involving safety protocols
Past clients include law firms, hospitals, insurance companies, and government agencies, reflecting a broad and trusted track record across high-stakes, security-sensitive industries.
7. Trusted by Legal and Insurance Professionals
When your case requires an expert who understands the law, knows the field, and communicates clearly in depositions and courtrooms, SSMC Security is the strategic partner you need. Their admissible reports, expert opinions, and trial testimony are built on decades of experience and recognized professional excellence.
Expert Witnesses Near Me
To inquire about security expert witness services, please contact us by completing a contact form or calling (407) 385-9167.
