Tommy Burns is a Security and Police Consultant, practicing in Forensic Consulting and expert witness. He is also a contractor-consultant to the Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center (SNCTC) as the Privacy Officer. Mr. Burns previously served as security director for several Hotel-Casino properties in the Las Vegas valley. In that capacity, he worked with the executive teams and security staffs to develop strategies, mitigate risk, and provide overall asset protection for the hotel and casino properties. Security duties included being responsible for ensuring security compliance with all gaming laws and Minimal Internal Controls (MICs). Mr. Burns also assisted with corporate investigations and vendor due diligence using forensic security techniques when needed, as well as assisting in the development and implementation of standardized security procedures. Other security duties included formulating a global corporate strategy for Harrah’s Entertainment in risk mitigation and business continuity, and assisting with the development of Harrah’s Western Division Security Academy, an intensive 40-hour basic security course in Laws of Arrest & Liability Issues, Report Writing, Handcuffing, Tactical Communications, Use of Force Issues, and Emergency Response.
Additionally, Mr. Burns worked with other Hotel/Casinos as Security Director and Risk Manager, assisting with bringing the college level security programs to those properties and implemented Hotel/Casino Security Training for Security Officers; developed a security handbook for all officers; assisted with the formulation and implementation of emergency evacuation procedures for all properties; and developed security officers as instructors in handcuffing and defensive skills. He also assisted in the development and implementation of a biometric key system for all security, slot, cage and gaming keys.
Mr. Burns is a Lead Faculty Instructor in Criminal Justice and Security for University of Phoenix and a member of the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC).
Mr. Burns has also given a number of security presentations and seminars at the Las Vegas Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2005-2011, ASIS International 2007 and 2009 annual conventions along with many other security and management presentations to a variety of groups.
Law Enforcement Experience
As Chief of Police for the Henderson Police Department, Mr. Burns and his staff were responsible for $30 million budget, approximately 300 employees, a 200-bed correctional facility, and approximately 60,000 square feet of communications, uniformed patrol, and administrative offices and facilities and new Police Substation. His tenure saw tremendous growth in the hiring of police officers and the expansion of upgrades and facilities, including the implementation of an enhanced 911 system, computer-aided dispatching, automated records management and crime analysis, and the integration of all public safety computer systems.
He was also responsible for implementing the Citizen’s Academy, Chaplain’s Program, Neighborhood Community Policing Centers, expanded Community Policing programs throughout the city for more citizen involvement; implemented the Reverse 911 notification system, Bike Patrols, a Traffic Unit, implemented and expanded Internal Affairs Unit, over-site of all criminal and business license investigations, the writing and implementation of a new and comprehensive Policy and Procedures Manual, and an improved process of Police Officer recruitment and training.
Mr. Burns is experienced in designing and implementing lesson plans, training guides, policies and strategic planning, and conducting all manner of investigations. He is also well-versed in Union and Labor/Management relations issues, disciplinary and grievance procedures, and the development of guidelines.
