The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 (PSP&PI Act) covers the activity of those who provide security services either as a company, sole trader or employee. Compliance with the Act is the responsibility of the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA). For more information refer to https://www.justice.govt.nz/tribunals/licences-certificates/pspla/ or contact the PSPLA on 08004PSPLA or email [email protected] .
Purpose
The purpose of the Act is to ensure that companies and sole traders offering specified private security and investigation services for hire, and personnel providing those services:
Who needs to be licensed?
The PSP&PI Act applied to the following services:
What licence is required?
Companies and Sole Traders
Security Employee
Temporary COA
Training and skills
When you apply for a private security licence or certificate you need to prove you have the training or skills (competency) for the classes of work you will be doing.
| If you want to work as a: | You need to show: |
|---|---|
| · Crowd Controller · Property Guard · Personal Guard | You’ve done the set training Note: PSPPI (Minimum Training) Regulations amended in relation to Property Guards |
| · Security Technician · Security Consultant · Private Investigator · Repossession Agent · Monitoring Officer | You have the training or skills needed |
You must let the PSLPA know immediately if:
The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 (the PSPPI) applies to these services:
FAQ’s
Must COA’s be displayed?
It is a requirement that COA’s must be clearly displayed at all times when working, unless there is a reasonable and genuine reason to believe that it would make the wearer, or others, unsafe.
Do electricians installing alarms need a security licence?
Under the Act, there is an exemption from licensing applied to companies, sole traders or employees who are licensed under alternate Acts of legislation. This covers the Police, Armed Forces and Electricians (covered by Electrical Workers Registration Board or EWRB). The exemption only applies to the service category of Security Technician so an Electrician who is registered with the EWRB can install security alarms or systems without requiring a COA as a Security Technician. If however the Electrician is selling the alarm or security system, or providing the customer with security advice, they must hold a COA as a Security Consultant. Evidence of selling alarms or security systems includes promotion on websites and sign writing on vehicles. Where an electrician is required to hold a COA as a Security Consultant, we would recommend as best practice that they also include the service Security Technician.
Do manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers of security equipment need to be licensed as Security Consultants?
Manufacturers or distributors of security equipment are not required to be licensed as Security Consultants under the Act unless they are direct selling to either retailers, distributors or end users at the premises of those they are selling to. Sales Executives, Business Development Managers and similar working for security manufacturers, distributors or retailers are required to hold a COA in the class of Security Consultant if they are going to other people’s premises to sell or attempt to sell security equipment. If people in these roles are required to hold a COA then generally it follows that their employer should also have a licence.
How long are licences valid for?
Licences are valid for five years. Application for renewal must be submitted prior to expiry and once expired, a full application must be filed.
Can you check if a company or individual is licensed?
What happens to those operating without the appropriate licence?
The PSPLA can investigate complaints against unlicensed operators and has the power to impose fines of up to $20,000 against those found operating without an Individual Licence for Sole Traders or a COA for employees, or up to $60,000 for company operating without the appropriate licence.
