About
Tom Shea is a nationally recognized law enforcement and physical security expert specializing in policing best practices, security standards and negligence, and emergency preparedness. He specializes in police operations and internal affairs, use of force, premises liability, negligent security, and related civil litigation issues. With a distinguished career spanning law enforcement, academia, security, and consulting, his experience includes authoring comprehensive security plans and providing emergency response training nationwide.
Tom began his career with the Long Branch Police Department in 1998, following honorable service in the United States Marine Corps during Operation Desert Storm. During his law enforcement tenure, he served as a police commander and was a part of the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team (SWAT). After retiring in 2017, Tom transitioned to academia, founding and directing the Law Enforcement Executive Leadership Program at Seton Hall University. He also served as an instructor for LSU/NCBRT, delivering training on active shooter mitigation, campus emergencies, and de-escalation strategies. Tom also served as Director of Safety and Security for a New Jersey K-12 district, overseeing security for 12 buildings and 7,000 students and staff.
Tom’s extensive expertise in law enforcement has seen him qualified as an expert in both civil and criminal litigation. His contributions to the field include authoring a police practices book, publishing academic and professional articles, and creating higher education curricula on law enforcement and security leadership. A sought-after speaker, Tom has presented nationwide on physical and school security, policing, and overall public safety.