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FORENSIC SECURITY LAIBILITY EXPERT WITNESS

Michael J. Canaan, CPP, serves as a premises liability security expert witness in negligent security litigation involving assaults, robberies, shootings, and other criminal acts occurring on commercial and residential properties. His forensic analysis examines security programs, policies, staffing, and industry standards to determine whether reasonable security measures were in place.

Mr. Canaan offers objective, evidence-based analysis of premises security conditions and practices, informed by recognized industry guidance and professional experience, without advocacy or outcome bias.

Curriculum Vitae and Expert Case Listing are available upon request. See our Sample Case Descriptions and Law Firm Client List. Call now for a consultation: (253) 852-7000

 

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Mr. Canaan is Board Certified in Security Management by the American Society for Industrial Security, International. He has worked in security, investigations, and risk management since 1977, with experience spanning military service, civil law enforcement, corporate security leadership, and private investigations. He has served as President of Trident Investigative Service, Inc. since 1991.

He is a former certified law enforcement and private security instructor and remains active in professional security and investigative organizations.

 

SCOPE OF FORENSIC PRACTICE

Mr. Canaan’s forensic practice focuses on evaluating premises security conditions, decisions, and practices in negligent security and premises liability matters  as they existed prior to an incident, based on information that was reasonably available at the time.

Areas commonly evaluated include:

  • Security management and oversight
  • Hiring, training, supervision, and retention of security personnel
  • Security staffing and deployment strategies
  • Use-of-force practices and incident response in security-related incidents
  • Policies, procedures, and operational controls
  • Risk awareness and foreseeability assessment in premises liability cases
  • Physical and electronic security systems
  • Environmental and operational conditions affecting security

Each evaluation is fact-specific and considers the property’s function, use, and operational realities.

 

NEGLIGENT SECURITY AND PREMISES LIABILITY MATTERS EVALUATED

Mr. Canaan has evaluated matters involving allegations such as:

  • Inadequate or negligent security
  • Excessive or improper use of force
  • Failure to render aid
  • False arrest or unlawful detention
  • Assaultive conduct, including use of force, robbery and sexual assault
  • Stalking, harassment, and voyeurism
  • Shootings, stabbings, and other violent incidents
  • Maritime and vessel-related security events

The inclusion of a matter type does not imply liability, causation, or breach, but reflects the range of issues examined in a forensic capacity.

 

PROPERTIES AND ENVIRONMENTS

Mr. Canaan has conducted premises security evaluations across a wide range of environments, including:

  • Residential and multi-family housing
  • Commercial and retail properties
  • Hotels, motels, and hospitality venues
  • Parking facilities and transportation-related sites
  • Educational and religious institutions
  • Entertainment and assembly venues
  • Industrial, manufacturing, and warehouse facilities
  • Maritime, aviation, and special-event environments

 

FORENSIC METHODOLOGY

Mr. Canaan’s opinions are based on:

  • Review of available records, testimony, and physical evidence
  • Evaluation of site-specific conditions and operations
  • Consideration of recognized industry guidance, where applicable
  • Assessment of reasonableness in light of what was known or reasonably identifiable at the time

Industry standards and guidelines are used as informational reference points, not as prescriptive or mandatory requirements unless legally adopted.

 

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF OPINIONS

Mr. Canaan’s forensic opinions:

  • Do not offer legal conclusions
  • Do not rely on hindsight or outcome-based reasoning
  • Do not assume causation based solely on the occurrence of an incident
  • Do not treat industry guidance as guarantees of safety

The presence or absence of any single security measure is not, by itself, determinative.

 

EXPERT ENGAGEMENT

Early expert involvement may assist counsel with:

  • Case evaluation and issue identification
  • Understanding premises security practices in context
  • Deposition and trial preparation
  • Rebuttal and critique of opposing security expert witness opinions

 

DISCLAIMER

This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not express opinions regarding any specific incident, property, or legal matter.

Start strong — finish strong. The preliminary use of a qualified expert witness is a valuable and often necessary tool in determining the successful outcome of your case.

Need a forensic security premises liability expert witness?

Call Michael J. Canaan, CPP at 253-852-7000 or use our Contact Form.