Richard Sem, CPP, is a security consultant with Sem Security Management in Burlington, Wisconsin, and a member of the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC), the association of independent security consultants.
In Richard’s own words: “Over 40 years’ security and workplace violence management and planning experience, including serving as Director of Security and Crisis Management for a Fortune 50 firm and Vice President of the world’s largest security firm. My services include risk and vulnerability security and workplace violence assessments, development of policies and plans, and training. I worked with many clients following incidents of violence including more than 30 active shooter incidents and bring those lessons learned to my work.”
Richard lists these services in the IAPSC member directory: CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design), Expert Witness / Litigation Support, Manufacturing / Industrial, Physical, Physical Security, Security Management, Security Operations (personnel, policies, etc.), Security Risk Assessments, Terrorism / Counter Terrorism, Training & Awareness Services, Workplace Violence Prevention.
Industries served include Commercial Real Estate, Corporate Security, Cultural Properties / Libraries / Museums, Healthcare / Pharmaceutical, Hospitality / Lodging / Resorts, Law Firms, Non Profits, Manufacturing / Industrial, Parking Garages / Lots, Residential Properties / Apartments / Condo, Restaurants / Bars / Nightclubs, Distribution / Supply Chain /Warehouse / Cargo, Utilities (Communication, Water, Power, Oil, Gas), Warehouse / Distribution / Cargo.
Speaking topics include Trends in Healthcare Security and Violence Management, Conducting Security assessments and surveys, How much security is enough?, Workplace violence prevention, mitigation and response, Concepts of personal safety and security, Safely managing and de escalating the aggressive, confrontational or irate person.
In litigation, Richard Sem 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.
A physical security assessment looks at a site the way a determined offender would. Richard Sem 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.
Workplace violence rarely comes without warning signs. Richard Sem helps organizations put the pieces in place to recognize and respond to them: clear policy, reporting channels, threat assessment, training for supervisors and staff, and coordination with human resources, legal and law enforcement. The goal is a program people understand and trust before a crisis, not after one. You can also browse other workplace violence prevention consultants in the directory.
Richard Sem 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.
CPTED uses the design of a place to discourage crime. Richard Sem 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.
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. Richard Sem 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. Richard Sem explains technical issues in plain language and is available to walk leadership or counsel through the results.
Richard works with clients in Commercial Real Estate, Corporate Security, Cultural Properties / Libraries / Museums, Healthcare / Pharmaceutical, Hospitality / Lodging / Resorts, Law Firms, Non Profits, Manufacturing / Industrial.
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, Richard Sem 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 Richard Sem 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 Richard Sem 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. Richard Sem 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.
Richard is based in Burlington, Wisconsin and works through Sem Security Management.
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 Richard Sem 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 Sem Security Management. 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, Richard Sem 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, Richard Sem 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 Richard Sem, 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.
This consultant has experience serving as an expert witness.
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