Nicholas G. Lawless brings decades of high-level government and security experience to reshape the private protection industry through his acquisition and transformation of Crime Prevention Security 1, Inc. The company, known as CPS1, now operates with a military-precision approach that challenges conventional security practices across California and is heading internationally.
Drawing from his background in military service, government operations, protection and security operations, and other coordination roles at the White House and Department of Homeland Security, Lawless has rebuilt CPS1 from the ground up. The transformation reflects his vision of creating a security force that operates with tactical expertise rather than what he describes as the “soft targets disguised as protection firms” that dominate the industry.
“The security industry is saturated with soft targets disguised as protection firms. I remolded CPS1 and its workforce to build a a force always vigilant and ready to move instead of waiting on an incident and reacting from afar,” Lawless stated.
The company’s approach differs markedly from traditional security services. Personnel undergo specialized training based on the CPS1 Operating Doctrine, which emphasizes situational threat analysis, non-linear problem-solving, physical readiness, technological literacy,and comprehensive legal knowledge.
Services span multiple high-threat sectors including construction and industrial site security, critical infrastructure protection, residential patrol, retail loss prevention, executive protection, and emergency response consulting. The company has also expanded into international operations, with recent assessments conducted throughout several European nations..
Lawless’s leadership philosophy, which he calls “Lawless Leadership,” forms the operational backbone of the company. This framework, detailed in his forthcoming book “Lawless Leadership: Hardwired from Hardship – The Survivor’s Guide to Unstoppable Leadership,” structures leadership development through three phases: Recognition of adversity, Activation of mindset shifts, and Integration of battle-tested presence into daily operations.
“Training a German Shepherd is no different than leading a team. If your presence is weak, the mission will collapse. The animal, like a squad, will mirror your confidence or your chaos,” Lawless explained, drawing parallels between his approach to canine training and team leadership.
The California-based security firm has positioned itself as a response to what Lawless identifies as critical gaps in the industry. He points to emerging threat vectors including the intersection of substance abuse crises and homelessness affecting site security, the limitations of AI surveillance without physical deterrence, and increasing soft target vulnerabilities throughout California.
“Security isn’t reactive anymore. It has to be predictive, aggressive, and built from hard-won scars. And if you’re not willing to evolve, then you’re a liability,” Lawless stated, emphasizing the need for both physical presence and technological integration in modern security operations.
Beyond traditional protection services, CPS1 has entered strategic consulting for defense innovation and national security. The company now provides field-tested insights to government, military, and private sector clients both domestically and internationally. This expansion reflects Lawless’s vision of security as a comprehensive discipline rather than a reactive service.
The transformation of CPS1 represents a broader challenge to industry standards. Lawless has been vocal about problematic practices including low-wage contracting, inadequate training, and operations based purely on appearances rather than effectiveness. His company’s approach demands higher standards from both personnel and clients.
“Leadership is not about being loud. It’s about being the last one standing when things go dark,” Lawless noted, summarizing the philosophy that drives both his company and his broader mission to reshape security industry standards.
The company’s first year under Lawless’s ownership has demonstrated this philosophy in practice, with operations expanding across state and international borders while maintaining a focus on tactical excellence and professional development. For an industry often criticized for minimal training and reactive approaches, CPS1’s model offers a stark alternative rooted in proactive threat assessment and elite operational standards. “The number of incidents and calls the company receives for help have dramatically decreased – arguably 1000% less over the previous year. That says Lawless’ approach has been thought through and battle-tested,” exclaimed one customer choosing to remain anonymous.
