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. 

• 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 and Due Process Adjudicator
• Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Suitability Adjudicator and Advanced Suitability Adjudications 
• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Active Shooter/Assailant, Insider Threat and Behavioral Indicators
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Risk Management,  Facility Security Committee (FSC) and Incident Command
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Fingerprint Training Program
• AHA Heartsaver CPR/AED 
• Stop the Bleed Instructor
• Texas A&M Engineering Extension (TEEX) Civilian Response to Active Shooter Event Instructor 
• Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events Train the Trainer
• Substance Abuse Mental Heath Services Administration (SAMHSA) Creating Safe Scenes
• Agency Facility Security Committee (FSC) Designated Official 
• Agency Technical Representative (ATR)  for federally contracted guard force
• Suitability and Personnel Security Instructor and Trainer for federal employees 
• Previously credentialed as Federal Special Agent and Contract Investigator
• Experience as a police and 911 dispatcher
• Chair and Lead for security related Federal Technical Evaluations Committee (TEC) >1M
• Recipient of multiple awards and recognitions for security excellence
• M.S. Criminal Justice, focus on Criminal Law
• B.S. Criminal Justice, focus on Crime Analysis
• A. A. in Criminal Justice