Steve Kaufer, CPP is a board certified security expert who leads Inter/Action Associates in Palm Springs, California. With more than four decades in the security field, Steve Kaufer consults on venue, hospital and school security and on alarm and security officer practices, and he serves as an expert witness in security matters.
Steve Kaufer has built a career of more than 40 years in security, giving him a long view of how security practices, technology and expectations have changed over time. That perspective is especially valuable in litigation, where the question is often what reasonable security looked like at a specific place and time.
Through Inter/Action Associates he advises on security for public venues, hospitals and healthcare facilities and schools, and he reviews how alarm systems and security officer programs are designed, staffed, trained and supervised.
Steve Kaufer holds the CPP (Certified Protection Professional) board certification from ASIS International, the leading credential for security management professionals.
In litigation, Steve Kaufer 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.
Hospitals and clinics face a unique mix of risks: emergency department violence, behavioral health patients, infant security, controlled substances and open public access around the clock. Steve Kaufer brings experience with the standards and practices that apply to healthcare settings, helping leaders protect patients, visitors and staff while keeping care accessible.
Schools need security that protects students and staff without turning campuses into prisons. Steve Kaufer helps districts and private schools with safety assessments, emergency planning, threat assessment, communications and training, drawing on lessons learned from real incidents and current best practice.
Workplace violence rarely comes without warning signs. Steve Kaufer 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.
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. Steve Kaufer 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. Steve Kaufer explains technical issues in plain language and is available to walk leadership or counsel through the results.
Steve Kaufer works with venue operators, hospitals and healthcare facilities, schools and districts, security service companies 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, Steve Kaufer 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 Steve Kaufer 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 Steve Kaufer 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. Steve Kaufer 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. Steve Kaufer is based in Palm Springs, California, and works with clients and attorneys beyond California. Reach out with the location and scope of your project 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 Steve Kaufer 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 Inter/Action Associates. 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, Steve Kaufer 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, Steve Kaufer can quickly suggest the right next step.
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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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