Jack Leo, CPP is the founder of The Probity Group in Somers Point, New Jersey. A former Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal with more than 30 years in security and law enforcement, Jack Leo assists attorneys with case evaluation, expert reports and security reviews, and advises organizations on physical security and risk.
About Jack Leo
Jack Leo is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. His federal law enforcement career spanned nearly three decades, beginning as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent and ending as a Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal, the highest field based leadership position in the U.S. Marshals Service. He spent more than a decade pursuing violent fugitives in the United States and abroad, worked in the Witness Protection Program and protected U.S. Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet members and high ranking foreign dignitaries.
He has advised the Mexican and Colombian governments on security, investigations and operational strategy, and he led security, audit and licensing operations for a major U.S. lottery. He holds a master’s degree from Seton Hall University, is a graduate of the West Point Command and Leadership School and completed executive education at Cornell University and Harvard University.
The Probity Group provides physical security assessments, forensic consultation and expert witness services, investigations, lottery and gaming security consulting and executive protection frameworks for governments, multinational corporations, legal teams, insurers and high net worth individuals.
What Jack Leo focuses on
Expert witness and litigation support
In litigation, Jack Leo 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.
Physical security assessments
A physical security assessment looks at a site the way a determined offender would. Jack Leo 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.
Investigations
Jack Leo conducts and supports professional investigations, gathering facts, interviewing witnesses and documenting findings in a way that holds up to scrutiny. Organizations use this work to resolve internal issues, and attorneys use it to understand what actually happened before an incident.
Executive protection
Jack Leo plans and reviews protective programs for executives, high net worth families and public figures, covering advance work, travel, residences, transportation and the day to day habits that keep a principal safe without disrupting their life.
Credentials at a glance
CPP (Certified Protection Professional), ASIS International
Former Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal
Nearly three decades of federal law enforcement, beginning with the U.S. Border Patrol
U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force veteran
Master’s degree, Seton Hall University; West Point Command and Leadership School
Former head of security, audit and licensing for a major U.S. lottery
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 Jack Leo approaches an engagement
Start with the facts
Every engagement begins with understanding the specific site, organization or case. Jack Leo 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. Jack Leo explains technical issues in plain language and is available to walk leadership or counsel through the results.
Who Jack Leo works with
Jack Leo works with legal teams, corporations, insurers, government entities, lotteries, gaming commissions, casinos and high net worth individuals.
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, Jack Leo 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 Jack Leo 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 Jack Leo 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. Jack Leo 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 Jack Leo?
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 Jack Leo work outside New Jersey?
Yes. Jack Leo is based in Somers Point, New Jersey, and works with clients across the United States and internationally through vetted partners. 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 Jack Leo 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 Jack Leo?
Use the contact form on this page to send a message directly, or visit The Probity Group. Include a short description of your property, organization or case, the type of help you need and your timeline.
Working with Jack Leo
Most engagements start with a short conversation about the situation, the questions that need answers and any deadlines. From there, Jack Leo 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, Jack Leo 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 Jack Leo, 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)