Ralph Witherspoon has over 35 years of practical, hands-on experience in security and loss prevention. Currently he specializes in consulting to and with plaintiff and defense attorneys handling personal injury/damages cases involving negligent/inadequate security claims.
As a forensic consulting and testifying expert since 1992, his cases typically involve assault, rape or wrongful death cases occurring in hotels/motels, bars and nightclubs, restaurants, and in the retail arena - gas stations, convenience stores, department or "big box" stores, shopping centers and malls, plus, the parking facilities associated with them. Such cases may also involve shoplifting detention and arrests (probable cause), and use of force by security officers and bar "bouncers".
Ralph has been retained by attorneys in more than 200 cases in over 30 states plus Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. He has been qualified to testify as an expert on various security issues in the trial courts of a number of states, plus in five U.S. District Courts.
In 2007 the methodology Ralph uses to assess his cases was held by one U.S. District Court in a very detailed Opinion to be "reliable" under Daubert (see Ralph's website www.security-expert.org).
Ralph is Board Certified in Security Management (CPP) and is also a Certified Security Consultant (CSC). Ralph is a member of the American Society for Industrial Security, and a member of and elected member of the the Board of Directors of the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC).
Background
Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:A: Certified Protection Professional (CPP)denoting Board Certification in Security Management; also designated a Certified Security Consultant (CSC).
Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
A: American Society for Industrial Security -International (ASIS)
International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC)- Board of Directors; Forensic Methodology Committee
Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
A: Previous - Cuyahoga Community College - Adjunct Faculty - various security courses in the college's Security Administration degree program;
Previous - Cleveland State University - part time instructor - Continuing Education Program - Personnel and Physical Security (two day program)
Certified to teach various sections / subjects of the Ohio Peace Officers Training Council 120 hour Private Security Officer Course
Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
A: No
Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
A: Over 200 (consulting and testifying) since 1992
Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
A: Premises Liability involving alleged negligent or inadequate security in a variety of settings and businesses - also, shoplifting detentions and use of force claims
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
A: Approximately 50% (but varies from year
to year)
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
A: Approximately 50% (but varies from year to year)
Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
A: 100 +
Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
A: 2009
Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
A: 15-20 (both state and federal)
Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
A: 15-20
Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
A: Since 1992
Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
A: Case evaluation, forensic consulting and advice, discovery assistance, and when requested report writing and testimony
Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
A: Please phone to discuss
Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
A: Please phone to discuss
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
A: Please phone to discuss
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
A: Please phone to discuss
Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
A: Travel expenses, plus any other usual, customary or agreed-upon expenses
