From the Files of a Security Expert Witness

From the Files of a Security Expert Witness

by Charles A. Sennewald
Released August 2013
Publisher(s): Butterworth-Heinemann
ISBN: 9780124116269

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Book description

From the Files of a Security Expert Witness guides the reader through the experience of testifying in court on security issues in civil litigation. Written by one of the security profession's best-known expert witnesses, the book explores 36 cases that reflect the high drama of true crime, including kidnapping, rape, and murder. Many of these cases led to premises liability lawsuits based on claims of negligence, inadequate security, false arrest and imprisonment, excessive use of force, and others. Effective security specialists, whether or not they are considering becoming expert witnesses, should be familiar with the facts of these cases, their theories of liability and theories of defense.

Encompassing aspects of criminal and tort law, all within the context of forensic security consulting, this book offers valuable insights from an experienced security professional.



  • Understand the role of a security expert witness through his involvement in actual civil lawsuits driven by criminal acts
  • Explore the expert witness’s role in liability litigation, from forming opinions to being able to intelligently present beliefs to the legal community as well as to juries
  • Learn practical, in-depth guidelines for becoming an expert witness through the firsthand experiences of a court-recognized authority

Table of contents

  1. Cover image
  2. Title page
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Copyright
  5. Dedication
  6. Acknowledgments
  7. Introduction
  8. Chapter 1. Greene v. Holy Spirit Hospital
    1. What happened?
    2. Who was being sued, and why?
    3. Who was involved?
    4. When did it happen?
    5. How did it happen?
    6. Assessment of the security program
    7. Assessment of crime statistics in the community
    8. The results of my assessment
    9. Postscript
  9. Chapter 2. Yamamoto v. Harbor View Homeowners’ Association
    1. What happened?
    2. Who was being sued, and why?
    3. Who was involved?
    4. When did it happen?
    5. How did it happen?
    6. Assessment of the plaintiff’s theory
    7. Assessment of the security officers’ conduct
    8. Pretrial meeting and trial
    9. Postscript
  10. Chapter 3. Fiske v. Silver Mine Hotel and Casino
    1. What happened?
    2. Who was being sued, and why?
    3. Who was involved?
    4. When did it happen?
    5. How did it happen?
    6. Assessment of the history of crime on premises
    7. Assessment of the security department’s program
    8. The results of my assessment
  11. Chapter 4. Marcello v. Queen of Clubs
    1. What happened?
    2. Who was being sued, and why?
    3. Who was involved?
    4. When did it happen?
    5. How did it happen?
    6. Assessment of the plaintiff’s case
    7. Assessment of the security program
    8. My deposition
    9. The trial
  12. Chapter 5. Chatálet, et al. v. FantasyForest, Inc.
    1. What happened?
    2. Who was being sued, and why?
    3. Who was involved?
    4. When did it happen?
    5. How did it happen?
    6. Assessment of the security department and its investigation
    7. My assessment of the security department’s strategy
  13. Chapter 6. McCortney v. Sky-High Casino
    1. What happened?
    2. Who was being sued, and why?
    3. Who was involved?
    4. Where did it happen?
    5. When did it happen?
    6. How did it happen?
    7. Assessment of the plaintiff’s theory of liability
  14. Chapter 7. Crane v. Major Stores, Inc.
    1. What happened?
    2. Who was being sued, and why?
    3. Who was involved?
    4. Where did it happen?
    5. How did it happen?
    6. Assessment of security policies and procedures
    7. My assessment
    8. The verdict
  15. Chapter 8. White v. Mid-American Inns
    1. What happened?
    2. Who was being sued, and why?
    3. Who was involved?
    4. When did it happen?
    5. How did it happen?
    6. Assessment of the hotel’s security program
    7. My assessment of the event
  16. Chapter 9. McCall v. Giant Stores
    1. What happened?
    2. Who was being sued, and why?
    3. Who was involved?
    4. When did it happen?
    5. How did it happen?
    6. Documentation of what actually transpired
    7. The trial
  17. Chapter 10. A Summarization of Cases Based on the Theory of Liability, False Arrest/False Imprisonment, or Excessive Use of Force
    1. Faratoom v. City University
    2. James v. Quickway Markets
    3. Garcia v. Grand Lion Hotel and Casino
    4. Hickham v. The Municipal Zoo
    5. Johnson v. Dandy Markets
    6. Washington v. Clouse and Fine’s Department Stores
  18. Chapter 11. A Summarization of Cases Predicated on Negligence as the Theory of Liability
    1. Miller v. Jason Cartwright and Greater Legion Hall
    2. Brown v. Ace Alarm Company
    3. Fujimoto v. Mid-Pacific Island Princess Hotel
    4. Kenworth v. Patriot’s Plaza
    5. Hernandez v. June Department Stores
    6. Brown v. Elanta Department Stores
    7. Washington v. Crestview Country Club
  19. Chapter 12. A Summarization of Cases Based on Inadequate Security and/or Breach of Duty as the Theory of Liability
    1. Mullins v. City Library
    2. James v. Silver Discount Stores
    3. Holloman v. American Gas Stations
    4. Jones v. Highlight Casino and Hotel
    5. Franchetti v. Sunset Hotel Casino
    6. Chetikoff v. City Bowl
  20. Chapter 13. A Summarization of Lawsuits That Were Rejected or Failed for Unusual Reasons
    1. Castenada v. American Avocado Growers
    2. Hunt v. J. J. Stores
    3. Jackson v. National Discounters
    4. Universal Insurance Co. v. Gold Shield Security Services
    5. Henderson v. Valley Mall
    6. Olea v. The Cleveland Hotel
    7. Heston v. Big Grand Stores
    8. Senior Citizen’s Claim, Letter of Demand
  21. Epilogue
  22. Appendix. A Fair Warning: Avoid Victimization
    1. Suggestions to discourage, reduce, or prevent crimes
  23. Index

Product information

  • Title: From the Files of a Security Expert Witness
  • Author(s): Charles A. Sennewald
  • Release date: August 2013
  • Publisher(s): Butterworth-Heinemann
  • ISBN: 9780124116269