Private security guarding in New Zealand: Discerning an equilibrium between profits and governance

Abstract

Recent exposure of private security guards in the media highlights the need for legislation to effectively address guard conduct. Legislation in private security guarding was revolutionised as recently as 2010, introducing tighter entry restrictions and mandatory training components. Two years have passed since the industry compliance cut-off and doormen (who were at the foundation for regulatory change) still create sensational news reports. The mandatory training for all frontline security personnel is yet be reviewed. This study considers stakeholder perspectives on the efficacy of conflict training modules that were mandated under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act (2010). Opinions were gathered on the success, or failure of the government in meeting regulatory training objectives. As a result, the findings highlight the vulnerability of security guards, necessitating that attention is given to individual guard welfare. The study conducted qualitative interviews with security guard stakeholders, to obtain contrasting perspectives on topical issues throughout the industry. In doing so, the study was able to contrast the stakeholder opinions of private security guarding against theoretical inferences. The results substantiate that there are ambiguities between policing divisions, but additionally ambiguities within the practical application of the role also. The research considered the role of the New Zealand government in engineering outcomes within the security industry, through the shaping of polices that mould security guard practice. Some participants criticised the government for their reactive strategy of enforcing compliance, despite charging considerable licensing fees. Lack of government action was noted to impact the wider professional image of the security industry, as participants expressed their frustration at unlicensed operators, untrained guards and cheating on training modules.