NZ Security Licence Professional Ethics and Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the NZ security industry requirement regarding wearing identification while on duty?
- Security guards must display their COA number and identification clearly while on duty so they can be identified (Correct answer)
- No identification is required if wearing a uniform
- Identification is only required for government building security
- Guards should keep their identity concealed for safety
Correct answer: Security guards must display their COA number and identification clearly while on duty so they can be identified
Under the PSPPI Act and regulations, NZ security guards must display their identification (including COA number) clearly while performing security duties. This allows members of the public and authorities to identify them and verify their licence status.
Question 2: In NZ, what are the reporting obligations of a COA holder if they are charged with a criminal offence?
- They must notify the PSPLA within a specified timeframe of being charged with, convicted of, or pleading guilty to any criminal offence (Correct answer)
- No notification is required until convicted
- Only notify if the offence is related to security work
- Only their employer needs to be notified, not the PSPLA
Correct answer: They must notify the PSPLA within a specified timeframe of being charged with, convicted of, or pleading guilty to any criminal offence
NZ COA holders must notify the PSPLA if they are charged with, convicted of, or plead guilty to any criminal offence. This applies to all offences, not just those related to security work, as it may affect the 'fit and proper person' assessment.
Question 3: What is the NZ security industry expectation regarding diversity and inclusion?
- Treat all people with equal respect regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, and understand NZ's diverse multicultural community (Correct answer)
- Diversity considerations do not apply to security work
- Only follow diversity policies if the client requires it
- Diversity training is optional for experienced guards
Correct answer: Treat all people with equal respect regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, and understand NZ's diverse multicultural community
NZ security personnel are expected to treat all people with equal respect and professionalism regardless of their background. They should understand NZ's multicultural society, respect cultural differences, and comply with the Human Rights Act 1993.
Question 4: Under NZ law, what is the security guard's ethical obligation regarding use of their position for personal gain?
- Security guards must never use their position for personal benefit, including accessing restricted areas for personal reasons or using information gained during duties for private purposes (Correct answer)
- Using their position for personal benefit is acceptable if it doesn't harm the client
- Personal gain is only prohibited if it involves financial transactions
- There are no specific rules about personal gain in NZ security law
Correct answer: Security guards must never use their position for personal benefit, including accessing restricted areas for personal reasons or using information gained during duties for private purposes
NZ security guards must never use their position for personal gain. This includes accessing restricted areas for personal reasons, using confidential information for private purposes, abusing their authority, or using client resources for personal benefit.
Question 5: What continuing training requirements exist for NZ COA holders?
- COA holders should maintain current first aid certification and participate in ongoing professional development, with the COA renewable every five years (Correct answer)
- No ongoing training is required once the initial COA is obtained
- Only managers need continuing training
- Training is only required if the guard changes employers
Correct answer: COA holders should maintain current first aid certification and participate in ongoing professional development, with the COA renewable every five years
NZ COA holders should maintain current first aid certification and participate in ongoing professional development to keep their skills and knowledge current. The COA must be renewed every five years, and the PSPLA may require evidence of continued suitability.
Question 6: In NZ, what is the ethical obligation of a security guard who discovers their employer is engaging in illegal practices?
- Report the illegal practices through appropriate channels — the Protected Disclosures Act protects whistleblowers from retaliation (Correct answer)
- Ignore it to keep their job
- Participate in the illegal practices as instructed by their employer
- Resign quietly without reporting to anyone
Correct answer: Report the illegal practices through appropriate channels — the Protected Disclosures Act protects whistleblowers from retaliation
NZ security guards who discover their employer engaging in illegal practices should report through appropriate channels. The Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 protects employees who report serious wrongdoing from retaliation by their employer.
NZ Security Licence Professional Ethics and Standards 2
What is the NZ security industry requirement regarding wearing identification while on duty?