Media Release

21 June 2006

Licensing and Vetting of Security Guards Inadequate

New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark is pleased that Police have suspended their business arrangements with the security company which supplied two staff with criminal convictions to monitor a prisoner at Wellington Central Police Station but is concerned about the licensing and vetting processes within the security industry.

"The case has highlighted shortcomings around Police use of security services and the vetting processes used to check the suitability of security guards," said Mr Mark.

“While the Minister of Police is to be congratulated for her swift action on this issue, it is apparent that the problems in the security industry go much deeper than this case.

“It seems that unsuitable people have had no problem gaining security guard licenses and the question must be asked, who is ultimately responsible for the approval of licenses and for the efficiency of the process.

“I have also been informed that many people in the security industry are currently operating without licenses due to a stalling of licensing processing.

“The Minister of Justice has an obligation to investigate these issues and ensure the public that he will fix these problems before another regrettable incident occurs on his watch,” concluded Mr Mark.

ENDS

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