About Security by Design Consulting LLC

Michelle Caracaus Long is the owner and lead consultant of Security by Design Consulting LLC. With over 20 years of public safety and government security experience in both the public and private sectors, Michelle is a subject matter expert in personnel security and physical security, bringing a uniquely broad and diverse skill set to her clients.

Michelle’s expertise includes conducting and adjudicating national security background investigations as part of the government vetting process, ensuring compliance with Executive Orders, Public Law, and federal standards. As a former senior due process adjudicator, she handled extremely complex and sensitive cases, provided training, and advised on policy interpretation.

Michelle independently designed and developed a federal agency’s entire physical security program—creating directives, manuals, and standards operating procedures that established programmatic authority and objectives based on delegated authority. She also oversaw the design, integration and application of all physical security measures, policies and procedures to ensure staff compliance and safeguard government and contractor personnel, facilities, information, and materials from espionage, sabotage, damage, theft, and unauthorized access.

Now, Michelle leverages her extensive experience to provide comprehensive security consulting for businesses and homeowners. She specializes in risk assessments, threat mitigation, and emergency response planning, offering tailored, actionable solutions to protect assets and ensure long-term security. 

Michelle trained under some of the top experts in the security field, earning her place as a recognized leader. She continues to maintain strong professional relationships with those colleagues, and when available, they may collaborate with her on seminars or assessments to provide additional expertise and insights. Known for her sharp analytical skills, Michelle holds a Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice with a focus on Criminal Law.

When Michelle isn’t busy saving the world with security, she’s likely gardening, boxing, working out, or enjoying the Southern Maryland outdoors with her husband, dog, and backyard chickens.

At Security by Design Consulting LLC, a wealth of diverse security experience is brought to every client, offering personalized solutions rooted in integrity, transparency, and a commitment to exceptional customer service. 

Our goal is to help individuals and businesses assess risks, protect what matters the most, and feel empowered with the knowledge and resources to plan for the unexpected by thinking several moves ahead. 

Professional Credentials & Training:

• Interagency Security Committee (ISC) Risk Management Process (RMP)
• Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Physical Security Program
• ASIS Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
• Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCIF) Security Course
• Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE): National Security Adjudicator, Due Process Adjudicator
• Office of Personnel Management (OPM): Suitability Adjudicator, Advanced Suitability Adjudications
• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Active Shooter/Assailant, Insider Threat & Behavioral Indicators
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Risk Management, Facility Security Committees (FSC), Incident Command System (ICS)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Fingerprint Training Program
   

Security & Emergency Response Instruction:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX): Civilian Response to Active Shooter Event Instructor
• ALERRT Train-the-Trainer: Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events
• Stop the Bleed Instructor
• AHA Heartsaver CPR/AED Certified
• SAMHSA: Creating Safe Scenes
   

Roles, Experience & Leadership:

• Role player in covert exercises simulating weapon smuggling into federal facilities; served as safety observer and contributed to AARs and hotwashes
• Designated Official, Agency Facility Security Committee (FSC)
• Agency Technical Representative (ATR) for federally contracted guard force
• Federal Suitability and Personnel Security Instructor/Trainer
• Formerly credentialed Federal Special Agent and Contract Investigator
• Experience as police dispatcher and 911 emergency communications
• Chair and lead for federal security-related Technical Evaluation Committees (TECs) for contracts >$1M
• Recipient of multiple awards and recognitions for security excellence
   

Education:

• Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice, focus in Criminal Law
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice, focus in Crime Analysis
• Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Criminal Justice
   

Professional Affiliations & Specialized Programs:

• Graduate, FBI Washington Field Office (WFO) Citizens Academy
• Graduate, United States Postal Service (USPS) Citizens Academy