Security Association Applauds Call for Licensing

The New Zealand Security Association says that sometimes it takes something bad to make something good happen.

“We hope that is the case with the reporting of a shocking recent incident where an unlicensed security guard, a convicted rapist, was put on suicide watch duties of a female in police custody,” says NZSA chairman Scott Carter.

“There has been a maelstrom of publicity surrounding the case, yet we believe this example is just the tip of an iceberg. So it’s a great source of satisfaction to us that at last the concerns our Association has been voicing for many years are being recognised.

“It’s disappointing it had taken a high profile case like this for politicians to sit up and take notice. Our hope is the fact the public is now equally aware of the frightening possibilities of an unlicensed security guard inveigling his way into a position of trust.”

Mr Carter says the Association is pleased that questions such as those asked by NZ First MP Ron Marks in Parliament continue to emphasise the need for urgency and the importance of security industry legislation being in line with modern day policing. Equally pleasing is the response from the Minister of Justice that the legislative review is on this year’s work schedule.

“The NZSA have been asking for this legislation to be updated for the past 6 years. As an organisation we have done our best to ensure that our members are delivering high quality standards. And we announced at our recent conference the introduction of a compliance auditing process for our members.”

“But without effective legislation and proper enforcement of security licensing it will always be possible for maverick operators to hire out staff, such as the convicted rapist, who clearly do not conform with either the law or professional standards.”

“The public needs to know that any security firm they deal with has integrity. Knowing the firm is NZSA-accredited, and subject to auditing, can give them that reassurance,” Mr Carter says.

“People see a uniformed security officer and presume he or she has been vetted by Police. That, at present, may be from the truth. ”

Mr Carter says the NZSA has had assurances from a previous Minister and Associate Minister in 2002 and 2003 that legislative progress was being made, yet nothing has happened.

“We hope now we’ll see real action before the headlines have even more bad news.”

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