06/11/2026
Inside the Mind of a Retail Security Expert Witness
Most people know me for my work in cannabis, jewelry, pawn, and general retail security, but what many don't know is that for more than five years, I have also acted as a Security Expert Witness in retail-related litigation. That role is built on more than 30 years of hands-on experience in retail security.
One thing I've learned is this:
A security expert can often become one of the most important voices in a lawsuit. My findings, reports, and testimony help attorneys, judges, juries, insurance carriers, and business owners understand whether a retailer took reasonable steps to protect employees, customers, and assets.
Many of the cases I review involve incidents that could have been prevented through better security planning, stronger operational discipline, or proper investment in physical security systems.
When litigation occurs, attorneys often ask a simple question:
"Did the business act reasonably based on the known risks?"
The answer frequently comes down to documentation, training, policies, procedures, and whether management consistently followed them.
Security is not just about cameras, alarms, or guards. It's about creating a defensible program that protects people, reduces liability, and demonstrates that reasonable precautions were taken before an incident occurs.
The best time to identify security gaps is before an attorney, insurance carrier, or expert witness reviews them after an incident.
Contact Tony Gallo at [email protected] / 512 422 7600 if you have never had your security program reviewed by a professional. You may be surprised by what is missing in your day-to-day security program.
