From the Badge to the Bench: Michael Johnston’s Second Act in Justice

A former police captain brings decades of investigative expertise to the courtroom through Code 4 Consulting and Private Investigation.

The Nevada sun had barely risen when Michael Johnston closed his office door, files in hand, preparing for another day of casework that could make or break a lawsuit. Calm, methodical, and deliberate, he is no longer chasing criminals through city streets but scrutinizing reports, footage, and testimony with the same precision he once brought to the Henderson Police Department. “I want to make sure I’m on the right side of the issue,” Michael explained, his voice steady but passionate. “If someone has truly been impacted by the actions of others, I want to represent their case in the best possible light.”

From Police Captain to Business Owner

Michael’s journey to entrepreneurship began after a thirty-year career in law enforcement. He retired in 2019 as a captain with the Henderson Police Department, closing one chapter of public service while opening another. But retirement did not slow him down. Within weeks, he had accepted a role as director of security in the casino industry, an environment that demanded his investigative instincts and operational leadership.

Even then, Michael felt the pull of something more personal. He quietly launched Code 4 Consulting and Private Investigation on the side, eager to channel decades of investigative skill into a business of his own. For a while, he balanced his company with contract security work, but an unexpected opportunity shifted his course entirely.

“About a year and a half ago, a colleague asked if I had ever thought about becoming an expert witness,” Michael recalled. “I hadn’t really considered it, but based on my training, education, and experience, it seemed like a perfect fit.”

That conversation lit the spark that would redefine Code 4 Consulting and Private Investigation. Soon after, Michael focused his business squarely on expert witness work in forensic security, a specialized field that examines negligent or ineffective safety practices.

Lessons From the Courtroom

Becoming an expert witness was not as simple as drawing on his years of policing. Michael quickly learned that the courtroom had its own rules, expectations, and nuances. “There’s no manual for how to be a great expert witness,” he admitted. “It all comes from your knowledge, training, education, and experience. But when it comes to testimony, depositions, or writing a report that courts will accept, you either need mentoring or you need to do a lot of research.”

For Michael, that meant long hours of studying case law, refining report formats, and honing his ability to explain technical security issues to judges and juries in plain, relatable terms. The same persistence that carried him through decades in law enforcement now helped him navigate a very different kind of high-stakes environment.

A Career That Crosses Worlds

What sets Michael apart is the rare combination of his background. Many in his field come solely from law enforcement or solely from private security. Michael is fluent in both. “I think that breadth of experience makes me different,” he said. “I came from a product of both worlds.”

Currently, Michael also serves as a litigation strategist for GGRM Law Firm, where he works on cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, product defects, and premises liability. That role, he explained, has been “an excellent training ground on the civil litigation side,” sharpening his ability to connect investigative insight with the needs of attorneys and clients.

It is this blend of public service, private security leadership, and civil litigation experience that allows him to spot details others might overlook. Whether investigating negligent security at a property or analyzing the circumstances of a slip-and-fall claim, Michael brings both investigative rigor and a deep respect for justice.

Building Trust in a Referral-Driven World

In an industry where credibility is everything, Michael’s work speaks for itself. Most of his cases arrive by referral, either from colleagues who cannot take on a matter themselves or from attorneys who have seen him in action and recommend him to peers. “When you’re a good expert witness, that information gets around,” Michael said with a quiet smile. “Soon, new firms are calling you to use you.”

Although he maintains an online presence through his website, code4consulting.com, and advertises on platforms like Juris Pro, Seek, and the Roundtable Group, Michael relies more on reputation than digital marketing. “I don’t do a lot of social media,” he admitted. “But having your website up to date is important, and advertising in the right places helps too.” Still, nothing replaces word-of-mouth in this line of work, where trust and professionalism carry more weight than flashy promotions.

The Heart Behind the Work

For Michael, success is not measured by the number of cases or the size of his firm. It is about integrity and impact. “I want to make sure I choose my cases carefully,” he emphasized. “When I’m working as a consultant or an expert, I want to know that I’m truly helping someone who has been affected by the actions or negligence of others.”

This guiding principle is more than professional philosophy; it is personal. Michael spent decades protecting the public as a police officer, and that same dedication to fairness drives his second career. Instead of a badge and patrol car, he now wields a pen, a report, and testimony, but the mission remains the same: to uncover the truth and stand on the side of justice.

Looking Ahead

In just over a year, Code 4 Consulting and Private Investigation has grown rapidly. Michael envisions that growth will accelerate in the near future. “I’d like to see the business double by next year, and I think I’m on pace to do that,” he said. His ultimate goal is to step away from other professional commitments and focus full-time on his business, a step he believes is well within reach.

For clients considering his services, Michael offers one piece of advice: vet carefully. “There are a lot of folks out there who aren’t well schooled or well versed in the areas they claim expertise,” he warned. “Look closely at their resume and what they’ve accomplished in their career. Make sure you are getting the right fit for your needs.”

Why His Work Matters

In a world where safety, negligence, and liability can hinge on the smallest detail, Michael’s work provides clarity and accountability. He is the quiet force ensuring that victims of negligence have a fair chance in court, and that businesses and property owners understand the consequences of cutting corners on security. Locally, his expertise strengthens both the justice system and community trust.

Every case he takes on is another opportunity to balance the scales for someone who has been wronged. And while his office may not resemble the fast-paced squad rooms of his law enforcement days, the sense of duty remains unchanged.

Closing Reflection

Michael Johnston has lived two professional lives, both defined by service, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to truth. From his decades as a police captain to his current work as an expert witness and investigator, he has carried forward the values of integrity and precision. Code 4 Consulting and Private Investigation is not just a business; it is an extension of that lifelong mission.

To learn more or connect with Michael Johnston, visit code4consulting.com. Check out his LinkedIn account: Michael Johnston CPP, PCI, CPD.

This feature is part of The Business View Journal’s Local Spotlight Series — your trusted source for discovering the best small businesses in your community.