Richard M. (Rick) Santoro, CPP owns Interbrief.Org LLC in Ventnor City, New Jersey. A board certified protection professional and IAPSC member, Rick Santoro evaluates security operations and standards of care at casinos, resorts, residential properties and entertainment venues.
About Rick Santoro
His work centers on a question that matters to owners and attorneys alike: did a property’s security operation meet the standard of care for that kind of venue?
Casinos, resorts, residential properties and entertainment venues each bring their own crowds, risks and expectations, and he evaluates security programs with those differences in mind.
He holds the CPP credential from ASIS International and is a member of the International Association of Professional Security Consultants.
What Rick Santoro focuses on
Expert witness and litigation support
In litigation, Rick Santoro reviews the record, the property or the incident and gives attorneys a clear, independent opinion on whether security measures met the accepted standard of care. That work can include case review, site inspections, written reports, deposition and trial testimony. Attorneys on both the plaintiff and defense side use this kind of review to understand foreseeability, what reasonable security looked like at the time and whether a failure contributed to the harm. You can also browse other expert witness consultants in the directory.
Hotel and hospitality security
Hotels, resorts, restaurants and nightlife venues have to balance a welcoming guest experience with real security responsibilities. Rick Santoro looks at guest room and key control, staffing, crowd management, parking areas, incident response and training, and how those practices hold up against industry standards and prior incidents.
Healthcare security
Hospitals and clinics face a unique mix of risks: emergency department violence, behavioral health patients, infant security, controlled substances and open public access around the clock. Rick Santoro brings experience with the standards and practices that apply to healthcare settings, helping leaders protect patients, visitors and staff while keeping care accessible.
Workplace violence prevention
Workplace violence rarely comes without warning signs. Rick Santoro helps organizations put the pieces in place to recognize and respond to them: clear policy, reporting channels, threat assessment, training for supervisors and staff, and coordination with human resources, legal and law enforcement. The goal is a program people understand and trust before a crisis, not after one. You can also browse other workplace violence prevention consultants in the directory.
Credentials at a glance
Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
IAPSC member
Owner of Interbrief.Org LLC
Casino, resort, residential and entertainment venue security
Standards of care evaluations
Credentials matter because they are earned, not bought. Board certifications from ASIS International and designations from the International Association of Professional Security Consultants require documented experience, a rigorous exam or peer review, and ongoing professional education. When you compare consultants, ask which credentials each holds, who issued them and whether they are current.
How Rick Santoro approaches an engagement
Start with the facts
Every engagement begins with understanding the specific site, organization or case. Rick Santoro reviews the available documents, incident history and current practices before forming any opinion, so that recommendations fit the real situation rather than a generic checklist.
Measure against recognized standards
Findings are grounded in recognized industry guidelines, professional standards and lessons learned from comparable sites and incidents. That makes recommendations easier to defend in front of a board, an insurer, a regulator or a court.
Practical, prioritized recommendations
Clients receive clear findings ranked by risk, with practical steps that range from quick policy and training changes to longer term investments in design and technology. The aim is real improvement that the organization can afford and sustain.
Clear communication
Executives, attorneys and front line staff all need to understand the findings. Rick Santoro explains technical issues in plain language and is available to walk leadership or counsel through the results.
Who Rick Santoro works with
Rick Santoro works with casinos, resorts, residential property owners, entertainment venues, healthcare organizations and plaintiff and defense attorneys.
Every organization is different, so the first step is always to understand your goals, your constraints and what has already been tried. Whether you need a one time review, ongoing advice or support for a specific project or case, Rick Santoro can explain what a realistic scope looks like and what results you can expect.
Signs it is time for a security review
A recent incident, threat or near miss on the property or in the organization
A new building, renovation, change of use or expansion
Concerns raised by employees, tenants, guests, insurers or auditors
Security policies and post orders that have not been reviewed in years
Cameras, access control or alarms that were installed piece by piece without a plan
Litigation, a claim or a demand letter that questions the adequacy of security
If any of these apply, an independent review by a consultant such as Rick Santoro can show where the real gaps are and which fixes matter most.
Why an independent security consultant matters
Independent consultants are paid for their judgment, not for selling products or staffing hours. That independence lets Rick Santoro give candid advice about what is working, what is not and what is worth the investment. For attorneys, independence and recognized credentials are what make an expert opinion credible. For organizations, it means recommendations that are sized to the actual risk rather than to a sales target.
Professional bodies such as ASIS International and the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC) set credentials and ethical standards for this work, and clients increasingly look for those markers when choosing an expert.
Questions to ask before hiring a security consultant
What experience do you have with properties, organizations or cases like ours?
Which professional certifications do you hold, and from which bodies?
Are you independent, or do you sell products or services you might recommend?
What will the final deliverable look like, and who will see it?
How is the fee structured, and what is included?
For litigation: how often have you testified, and for which side?
A good consultant will welcome these questions. Rick Santoro can walk you through credentials, experience and approach in a short first conversation.
Frequently asked questions
When should an organization bring in a security consultant?
The best time is before an incident: during planning for a new building or renovation, after a change in leadership or operations, when an audit or insurer raises concerns, or when staff report growing worries about safety. A consultant can also help after an incident, reviewing what happened and what should change.
What does an independent security consultant provide that a vendor cannot?
An independent consultant does not sell guards, cameras or alarm equipment, so recommendations are based only on the client’s risk and needs. That independence is also why attorneys and courts give weight to the opinions of independent experts.
What happens during a typical engagement with Rick Santoro?
Most engagements include an initial conversation, a review of documents and history, a site visit or case review where appropriate, and a written report or opinion. The scope, timeline and fee are agreed at the start so there are no surprises.
Does Rick Santoro work outside New Jersey?
Yes. Rick Santoro is based in Ventnor City, New Jersey, and works with clients beyond New Jersey. Reach out with the location and scope of your project or case to discuss availability.
How much does a security assessment or expert review cost?
Fees depend on the size and complexity of the property or case, the amount of material to review, travel and whether testimony is needed. Most consultants work on an hourly basis or a fixed project fee agreed in advance. Ask Rick Santoro for an estimate once the scope is clear, and see our cost guide for typical ranges.
How long does a review usually take?
A focused site assessment or case review can often be completed in a few weeks, while larger programs, multiple sites or complex litigation take longer. Court deadlines and board meetings can usually be accommodated when they are shared at the start, so mention any dates in your first message.
How do I contact Rick Santoro?
Use the contact form on this page to send a message directly, or visit Interbrief.Org LLC. Include a short description of your property, organization or case, the type of help you need and your timeline.
Working with Rick Santoro
Most engagements start with a short conversation about the situation, the questions that need answers and any deadlines. From there, Rick Santoro recommends a clear scope, whether that is an assessment, a program review, training or expert witness support.
What to prepare before your first call
A little preparation makes the first conversation more useful. Have a short description of the property, organization or case ready, note any recent incidents, claims or deadlines, and gather existing documents such as security plans, policies, prior assessments or pleadings. With that information, Rick Santoro can quickly suggest the right next step.
Every inquiry sent through Find a Security Consultant goes straight to the consultant. There is no fee to contact Rick Santoro, no middleman and no obligation, and your message stays private between you and the consultant. If the fit is not right, you can reach out to other consultants in the directory or post a project to receive several proposals at once.
Advanced Physical Security Training Program (FLETC) · Ed.D. Johns Hopkins University · School Safety Leadership Certification (National School Safety Center)