Lewis W. Burns III, CPP, PSP

Lewis W. Burns III, CPP, PSP, (ISC)2 CC, OSHA 30, is a Vice President in the Protective Design and Security practice at Thornton Tomasetti, working from the firm’s Washington, DC office. He is a security strategist who specializes in integrating electronic, physical and operational security solutions for complex facilities and critical infrastructure.

About Lewis W. Burns III

Drawing on experience in law enforcement, intelligence operations, technology integration and consulting, Lewis develops risk informed security strategies that strengthen resilience and support operational continuity.

His background includes service as a deputy sheriff and detective, as well as a technical operations officer supporting national level intelligence missions. That experience gives him practical insight into adversary behavior, threat development and real world vulnerabilities.

Lewis’s work includes security planning and design; threat, vulnerability and risk assessments; security audits and benchmarking; and the development of security design standards.

He is known for translating complex threat environments into scalable, defense in depth solutions that align electronic security systems, physical hardening and operational controls.

What Lewis W. Burns III focuses on

Physical security assessments

A physical security assessment looks at a site the way a determined offender would. Lewis W. Burns III 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

Lewis W. Burns III 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

• Vice President, Protective Design and Security, Thornton Tomasetti
• Works from the Washington, DC office
• ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Physical Security Professional (PSP)
• (ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
• Former deputy sheriff and detective
• Former technical operations officer supporting national level intelligence missions

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 Lewis W. Burns III approaches an engagement

Start with the facts

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

Who Lewis W. Burns III works with

Lewis works with owners and operators of complex facilities and critical infrastructure that need integrated security planning, design standards and risk assessments.

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, Lewis W. Burns III 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 Lewis W. Burns III 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 Lewis W. Burns III 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. Lewis W. Burns III 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 Lewis W. Burns III?

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 Lewis W. Burns III work outside District of Columbia?

Lewis works from the Washington, DC office of Thornton Tomasetti and supports clients across the United States.

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 Lewis W. Burns III 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 Lewis W. Burns III?

Use the contact form on this page to send a message directly, or visit Thornton Tomasetti. Include a short description of your property, organization or case, the type of help you need and your timeline.

Working with Lewis W. Burns III

Most engagements start with a short conversation about the situation, the questions that need answers and any deadlines. From there, Lewis W. Burns III 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, Lewis W. Burns III 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 Lewis W. Burns III, 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.