A ministerial advisory group has been established to develop ideas to reduce offences, with Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith promoting examining the role of security guards.
This comes after a Kmart worker lost her job after trying to intervene when a public member attacked two security guards.
Goldsmith expressed openness to changing laws and wants greater certainty about what security guards can and cannot do.
New Zealand Security Association chief executive Gary Morrison aligned with Goldsmith’s thoughts and had ongoing meetings with Police Minister Mark Mitchell.
Morrison said security guards had some powers under the Crimes Act, but it was “old and poorly worded.” He advised staff not to engage with offenders due to the risk involved.
Despite the increased demand for security guards since COVID-19, Morrison said it was still a sought-after job. He would engage with the new advisory group and seek clarification around legislation.
In the long term, Morrison wants a review of the Crimes Act, more certainty about security guards’ powers, and clarity about trespass law.
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