John Hassard, M.SC., CPP, CFE, LPC, is a security consultant with Robson Forensic in Atlanta, Georgia, where the role is Loss Prevention and Security Expert.
About John Hassard
John Hassard is a security and loss prevention expert with more than 30 years of experience in retail loss prevention, premises security and safety, physical security systems and corporate and fraud investigation. He applies his expertise to forensic casework involving injuries, assaults, and economic losses as they relate to retail loss prevention, security and investigative policies and procedures, use of force, training of security personnel, hiring practices, physical security measures, and the use of/analysis of video and other security data.
John has worked at every level of the security profession, from contract security officer to director of loss prevention for a Fortune 500 retailer. John’s boots on the ground experience, combined with his strong academic background and extensive management experience provides a comprehensive understanding of the security industry standards and best demonstrated practices.
His hands on technical experience in security systems including CCTV, Access Control, Intrusion Alarms, data mining and analysis, and incident management investigations experience provide a thorough background in reviewing complex incidents. John earned an M.Sc in Security Management and a B.S in Criminal Justice; he is also an active member and volunteer leader of several local and national industry professional organizations.
He is board certified in security management and is Loss Prevention Certified as well as a Certified Fraud Examiner. Loss Prevention and Security: Identification and reduction of losses occurring in corporate and retail settings, to include: Shoplifting apprehensions, ORC (Organized Retail Crime), profiling, internal and external theft, fraud and embezzlement investigations, interviews and interrogations, use of force, pursuits, false arrest, false imprisonment, policy development, training and compliance, profiling, prosecution, restitutions and civil demands, employee relations investigations, sexual harassment and sexual assault investigations, interviews and interrogations, privacy, exception based reporting and analysis, implementation and use of security technology (CCTV, Electronic Article Security, access control, burg
John’s work covers: Premises security, Expert witness, Retail loss prevention, Use of force, Security officer operations, Security policies and procedures, Training and awareness, Investigations.
What John Hassard focuses on
Expert witness and litigation support
In litigation, John Hassard 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.
Security training
John Hassard 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.
Investigations
John Hassard 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.
Credentials at a glance
Robson Forensic, Atlanta, Georgia
Loss Prevention and Security Expert, Robson Forensic
Credentials: M.SC., CPP, CFE, LPC
Premises security
Expert witness
Retail loss prevention
Use of force
Security officer operations
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 John Hassard approaches an engagement
Start with the facts
Every engagement begins with understanding the specific site, organization or case. John Hassard 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. John Hassard explains technical issues in plain language and is available to walk leadership or counsel through the results.
Who John Hassard works with
John works with organizations that need independent, objective security advice.
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, John Hassard 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 John Hassard 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 John Hassard 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. John Hassard 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 John Hassard?
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 John Hassard work outside Georgia?
John is based in Atlanta, Georgia and works through Robson Forensic.
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 John Hassard 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 John Hassard?
Use the contact form on this page to send a message directly, or visit Robson Forensic. Include a short description of your property, organization or case, the type of help you need and your timeline.
Working with John Hassard
Most engagements start with a short conversation about the situation, the questions that need answers and any deadlines. From there, John Hassard 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, John Hassard 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 John Hassard, 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)