Michael J. Johnston, CPP, PCI, CPD is a former police captain and casino security director who runs Code 4 Consulting LLC in Henderson, Nevada. Michael J. Johnston reviews security at apartments, hotels, nightlife venues and parking facilities and provides expert witness support in premises security cases.
Michael J. Johnston rose to the rank of captain in law enforcement, leading officers and managing operations, investigations and policy. He later directed security for a casino, one of the most demanding security environments in hospitality, with large crowds, cash handling, alcohol service and round the clock operations.
Through Code 4 Consulting he applies both perspectives to premises security questions: whether an apartment community, hotel, nightclub or parking facility understood its risks, whether its security program matched those risks and what reasonable measures would have looked like.
Michael J. Johnston holds three respected credentials: the CPP (Certified Protection Professional) and PCI (Professional Certified Investigator) board certifications from ASIS International, and the CPD designation for crime prevention through environmental design professionals.
In litigation, Michael J. Johnston 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.
Hotels, resorts, restaurants and nightlife venues have to balance a welcoming guest experience with real security responsibilities. Michael J. Johnston 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.
CPTED uses the design of a place to discourage crime. Michael J. Johnston reviews natural surveillance, access control, territorial reinforcement and maintenance so that the layout of a property works for legitimate users and against offenders. These reviews are especially useful for new construction, renovations, multifamily housing and properties that want to lower risk without making the space feel like a fortress. You can also browse other CPTED consultants in the directory.
A physical security assessment looks at a site the way a determined offender would. Michael J. Johnston 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.
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.
Every engagement begins with understanding the specific site, organization or case. Michael J. Johnston 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.
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.
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.
Executives, attorneys and front line staff all need to understand the findings. Michael J. Johnston explains technical issues in plain language and is available to walk leadership or counsel through the results.
Michael J. Johnston works with apartment and multifamily owners, hotels and casinos, nightlife and entertainment venues, parking operators, insurers 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, Michael J. Johnston can explain what a realistic scope looks like and what results you can expect.
If any of these apply, an independent review by a consultant such as Michael J. Johnston can show where the real gaps are and which fixes matter most.
Independent consultants are paid for their judgment, not for selling products or staffing hours. That independence lets Michael J. Johnston 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.
A good consultant will welcome these questions. Michael J. Johnston can walk you through credentials, experience and approach in a short first conversation.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Michael J. Johnston is based in Henderson, Nevada, near Las Vegas, and works with clients and attorneys beyond Nevada. Reach out with the location and details of your property or case to discuss availability.
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 Michael J. Johnston for an estimate once the scope is clear, and see our cost guide for typical ranges.
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.
Use the contact form on this page to send a message directly, or visit Code 4 Consulting LLC. Include a short description of your property, organization or case, the type of help you need and your timeline.
Most engagements start with a short conversation about the situation, the questions that need answers and any deadlines. From there, Michael J. Johnston recommends a clear scope, whether that is an assessment, a program review, training or expert witness support.
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, Michael J. Johnston 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 Michael J. Johnston, 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.
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