James C. Townzen

James C. Townzen is the vice president of technology at Security Risk Management Consultants, LLC (SRMC), an independent, woman owned security consulting firm headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. James C. Townzen leads the firm’s security technology design work and is a leader in the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC).

About James C. Townzen

SRMC has been in business for 37 years, has completed more than 4,000 projects across more than 21 industries and operates eight offices in Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, Alabama and Florida. The firm provides security assessments, master planning, after action reviews, security technology design, executive search and training and support.

As vice president of technology, James C. Townzen helps clients plan and design security systems such as access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection and communications so that technology supports the security program rather than driving it. Because SRMC is independent, those designs are not tied to any manufacturer or integrator.

Within IAPSC, James C. Townzen chairs the technical standards committee and co chairs the association’s annual conference, helping set the professional expectations that independent security consultants work to. He works alongside SRMC owner, president and CEO Lynda L. Buel and Vice President of Operations Garry P. MacArthur.

What James C. Townzen focuses on

Physical security assessments

A physical security assessment looks at a site the way a determined offender would. James C. Townzen examines perimeter and access control, lighting, sightlines, surveillance coverage, staffing, policies and how people actually move through the space. The result is a written set of findings ranked by risk, with practical recommendations that leadership can budget for and act on. You can also browse other physical security assessments consultants in the directory.

Security training

James C. Townzen develops and delivers training for security officers, supervisors, employees and leadership teams. Sessions are built around real scenarios and the organization’s own policies, so that the skills carry over to daily work and to the rare moments when they matter most.

Emergency preparedness

Good emergency plans are short, practical and practiced. James C. Townzen helps organizations build emergency action plans, run tabletop exercises and drills, and coordinate with first responders so that staff know what to do in the first critical minutes of a fire, severe weather event, medical emergency or active threat.

Credentials at a glance

• Vice President of Technology, SRMC
• Chair, IAPSC technical standards committee
• Co chair, IAPSC annual conference
• SRMC: 37 years in business and 4,000+ projects
• Independent, vendor neutral security technology design

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 James C. Townzen approaches an engagement

Start with the facts

Every engagement begins with understanding the specific site, organization or case. James C. Townzen 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. James C. Townzen explains technical issues in plain language and is available to walk leadership or counsel through the results.

Who James C. Townzen works with

James C. Townzen works with schools and universities, hospitals and healthcare systems, corporations, architecture and engineering firms, government agencies and cultural properties that need independent security technology planning and design.

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 James C. Townzen 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 James C. Townzen 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. James C. Townzen 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 James C. Townzen?

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 James C. Townzen work outside Ohio?

Yes. James C. Townzen is based in Columbus, Ohio, and SRMC serves clients nationwide from eight offices. Reach out with the location and scope of your project 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 James C. Townzen 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 James C. Townzen?

Use the contact form on this page to send a message directly, or visit Security Risk Management Consultants, LLC (SRMC). Include a short description of your property, organization or case, the type of help you need and your timeline.

Working with James C. Townzen

Most engagements start with a short conversation about the situation, the questions that need answers and any deadlines. From there, James C. Townzen 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, James C. Townzen 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 James C. Townzen, 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.

If you are comparing several consultants, you can also request proposals from vetted security consultants, or read our physical security assessment cost guide before you decide.