NZ Security Licence Professional Ethics and Standards — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the grounds for the PSPLA to refuse or cancel a Certificate of Approval in NZ?
- Criminal convictions, being not a fit and proper person, mental health concerns affecting ability to work safely, or providing false information (Correct answer)
- Only murder convictions can prevent a COA being issued
- The PSPLA cannot refuse a COA application if the person has completed training
- COAs can only be cancelled by a court order
Correct answer: Criminal convictions, being not a fit and proper person, mental health concerns affecting ability to work safely, or providing false information
The PSPLA can refuse or cancel a COA if the applicant has relevant criminal convictions, is not a fit and proper person (character assessment), has mental health conditions affecting their ability to work safely, has provided false or misleading information, or is not entitled to work in NZ.
Question 2: Under NZ security industry standards, what is the guard's obligation regarding confidentiality?
- Maintain confidentiality of all client information, site security details, and personal information obtained during duties (Correct answer)
- Share interesting incidents on social media for entertainment
- Discuss client security arrangements with friends and family
- Confidentiality only applies to government security contracts
Correct answer: Maintain confidentiality of all client information, site security details, and personal information obtained during duties
NZ security guards must maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client information, security systems and procedures, alarm codes, access arrangements, and any personal information about individuals they encounter during their duties.
Question 3: What professional standards does the NZ PSPPI Act 2010 set for security personnel conduct?
- Act honestly and professionally, avoid conflicts of interest, maintain required qualifications, wear identification, and comply with all relevant laws (Correct answer)
- There are no specific conduct standards in the Act
- Only wearing a uniform is required
- Standards only apply to security company owners, not individual guards
Correct answer: Act honestly and professionally, avoid conflicts of interest, maintain required qualifications, wear identification, and comply with all relevant laws
The PSPPI Act and associated regulations require NZ security personnel to: act honestly and professionally, avoid conflicts of interest, maintain their COA and any required qualifications, wear identification while on duty, and comply with all NZ laws in performing their duties.
Question 4: In NZ, what are the legal consequences of a security guard committing assault while on duty?
- Criminal prosecution for assault (up to 3 years imprisonment for common assault or more for serious assault), civil liability, and loss of their COA (Correct answer)
- No consequences as they are authorised to use force
- Only a verbal warning from their employer
- They are protected from prosecution while on duty
Correct answer: Criminal prosecution for assault (up to 3 years imprisonment for common assault or more for serious assault), civil liability, and loss of their COA
A NZ security guard who commits assault faces criminal prosecution (common assault carries up to 1 year imprisonment; more serious assault charges carry up to 3-14 years), civil liability for damages, disciplinary action from their employer, and cancellation of their COA by the PSPLA.
Question 5: What training is mandatory for obtaining a Certificate of Approval in NZ?
- Completion of approved mandatory training covering legal knowledge, conflict management, communication, and health and safety (NZQA unit standards) (Correct answer)
- No training is required — only a background check
- A university degree in criminal justice
- Two years of work experience in any field
Correct answer: Completion of approved mandatory training covering legal knowledge, conflict management, communication, and health and safety (NZQA unit standards)
To obtain a COA in NZ, applicants must complete mandatory training covering NZQA unit standards in: legal powers and responsibilities, conflict management, communication skills, first aid, and health and safety. Training must be completed through an approved provider.
Question 6: Under NZ law, what is the security guard's obligation regarding corruption and bribery?
- Refuse all bribes or gifts that could influence their duties, report any bribery attempts, and maintain impartiality at all times (Correct answer)
- Accept small gifts as they are normal industry practice
- Bribes are only illegal if over $100 in value
- Only government security personnel are subject to anti-corruption laws
Correct answer: Refuse all bribes or gifts that could influence their duties, report any bribery attempts, and maintain impartiality at all times
NZ security guards must refuse any bribes, inducements, or gifts that could compromise their duties or impartiality. Accepting bribes is a criminal offence, and bribery attempts should be reported to the security company and, if appropriate, to police.
NZ Security Licence Professional Ethics and Standards
What are the grounds for the PSPLA to refuse or cancel a Certificate of Approval in NZ?