Hilltop Risk Consulting
Strength Through Preparedness
Hilltop Risk Consulting helps businesses and organizations identify vulnerabilities, strengthen preparedness, and make informed security decisions.
Services
On-site reviews of physical security, access points, lighting, visitor flow, and operational risk.
Review of emergency procedures, communication plans, and incident response readiness.
Clear, prioritized recommendations designed around your needs, and environment.
Optional follow-up consultation to help leadership understand findings and plan next steps.
About
Hilltop Risk Consulting provides professional risk assessment and preparedness consulting services designed to help organizations identify vulnerabilities, strengthen safety measures, and make informed security decisions. Through comprehensive site assessments, security recommendations, preparedness consulting, and ongoing support, Hilltop delivers practical solutions tailored to each client's unique operational environment. Using industry best practices and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, our goal is to help organizations reduce risk, improve resilience, and create safer environments for the people they serve.Founded by Matthew Ceto, Hilltop Risk Consulting is built on more than 15 years of public safety and crime prevention experience. Throughout his career, Matthew has worked closely with businesses, community organizations, and stakeholders to identify risks, develop practical solutions, and enhance overall safety and preparedness. As a certified Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) practitioner, he brings a proactive approach that focuses on preventing incidents before they occur. His experience combines security awareness, operational assessment, and strategic problem-solving to help clients make informed decisions that support their people, property, and mission. Matthew is committed to providing professional, objective, and actionable guidance that organizations can confidently implement to strengthen long-term resilience.
Meet Matthew Ceto
Founder & Principal Consultant
Professional Credentials15+ Years of Law Enforcement Experience
Va Department of Criminal Justice Services Certified Crime Prevention Specialist
Certified Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Practitioner
Risk Assessment & Vulnerability Analyst
Security and Preparedness Consultant
Contact
Ready to strengthen your organization’s safety posture?Schedule a consultation with Hilltop Risk Consulting today505-4187
FAQ
Why does my organization need a security assessment?
A security assessment helps identify vulnerabilities, operational risks, and safety concerns before they become incidents. It provides organizations with a clearer understanding of their current security posture and practical recommendations to improve protection, preparedness, and resilience.
What are the data driven results of implementing crime prevention strategies?
Research reviewed by the CDC have found Crime Prevention programs reduced robberies from 30% to 84%, while government agencies have reported crime reductions exceeding 60% in some applications.
Casteel, C., & Peek-Asa, C. (2000). Effectiveness of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in Reducing Robberies. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 18(4S), 99–115.Colorado Division of Criminal Justice. (2024). Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED): Research and Effectiveness Review.
What types of facilities can be assessed?
Assessments can be conducted for a wide range of properties including churches, businesses, offices, retail locations, community facilities, nonprofit organizations, and other commercial or private properties.
What is included in a site or facility assessment?
Assessments typically include evaluation of access control, lighting, surveillance coverage, emergency preparedness, physical security measures, environmental design, and operational procedures that may impact safety and security.
What is CPTED?
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a security approach that uses environmental and design strategies to help deter criminal activity. This may include improving visibility, controlling access, enhancing lighting, and creating safer, more secure environments.
Will I receive a written report?
Yes. Clients receive a professional report outlining identified vulnerabilities, observations, and prioritized recommendations designed to improve overall security and preparedness.
Are your recommendations customized or generic?
All recommendations are tailored to the specific property, operational environment, and concerns of the client. The goal is to provide practical and realistic solutions rather than one-size-fits-all guidance.
Do I need to have security personnel or existing systems in place?
No. Assessments can be valuable for organizations with existing security measures as well as those starting with little or no formal security infrastructure.
How long does an assessment take?
The timeframe depends on the size, complexity, and operational needs of the property. Smaller facilities may require only a few hours, while larger or more complex sites may require additional time and analysis.
Do you provide implementation services?
The primary focus is assessment, consulting, and recommendations. However, follow-up support and guidance can be provided to assist clients as they evaluate and implement improvements.
How often should a security assessment be conducted?
Organizations should consider periodic assessments, especially after operational changes, renovations, security incidents, staffing changes, or emerging threats that could impact safety and preparedness.
Risk and Vulnerability Assesments
Hilltop Risk Consulting provides professional site and facility assessments. A site or facility assessment is a structured evaluation of a property’s physical security, operational procedures, and overall risk exposure to identify vulnerabilities and improve safety. The assessment typically includes reviewing building access points, lighting, surveillance coverage, emergency preparedness, visitor management, and surrounding environmental conditions. A key component is applying principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), which focuses on reducing opportunities for crime through strategic use of natural surveillance, territorial reinforcement, access control, and maintenance. Assessments also evaluate how people move through the property, identifying blind spots, unsecured areas, or conditions that may increase liability or safety concerns. The process often includes interviews with stakeholders, walkthrough inspections, documentation review, and analysis of current security measures against industry best practices. Following the assessment, clients receive a professional report outlining identified risks, prioritized recommendations, and practical improvements to strengthen safety, security, and operational resilience.
Security Recommendations
Hilltop Risk Consulting provides professional Security recommendations to you. We transform assessment findings into actionable improvement strategies designed to enhance the safety and protection of people, property, and daily operations. Rather than identifying vulnerabilities, this phase focuses on providing clear solutions that help organizations make informed security decisions. Recommendations may address procedural updates, staffing considerations, emergency response improvements, technology enhancements, and physical security upgrades based on the specific operational environment. Each recommendation is prioritized to help clients understand which measures may provide the greatest impact for reducing risk and improving preparedness. Emphasis is placed on practical, scalable solutions that align with organizational goals, operational needs, and available resources. The result is a strategic roadmap that helps clients strengthen security posture while supporting long-term resilience and continuity.
Preparedness Consulting
Hilltop Risk Consulting delivers clear and effective preparedness consulting. This helps organizations strengthen their ability to respond effectively to emergencies, disruptions, and evolving operational risks before incidents occur. This service focuses on evaluating current preparedness measures and developing strategies that improve coordination, communication, and continuity during critical events. Consulting may include guidance on emergency action planning, evacuation procedures, crisis management, training considerations, and incident response coordination. The process is designed to help organizations build confidence in their readiness capabilities while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and resilience. Recommendations are tailored to the client’s operations, occupancy, and potential threat environment to ensure realistic and practical preparedness solutions. The objective is to support a proactive culture of safety and readiness that minimizes operational disruption and enhances overall organizational resilience.
Follow Up Support
Hilltop Risk Consulting provides continued guidance after the completion of an assessment or consulting engagement to help clients implement recommendations and address evolving concerns. This service ensures organizations have access to professional insight as they work through security improvements, preparedness initiatives, or operational changes. Support may include clarification of assessment findings, review of proposed security measures, additional consultation, or assistance prioritizing next steps. The goal is to help clients maintain momentum and confidence throughout the implementation process rather than leaving them with only a final report. Follow-up engagement also allows for adjustments based on changing operational needs, new risks, or organizational growth. This ongoing partnership approach helps reinforce long-term resilience, accountability, and continuous improvement in safety and security practices.