About the Authority

The Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority:

  • issues licences and certificates of approval (COA) to people working in the security industry, and private investigators
  • disciplines licence and certificate holders
  • keeps the register of licence and certificate holders.

Find out the type of work we cover

The Authority was established under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010. The Authority replaced the Private Investigators and Security Guards Registrar.

How the Authority is chosen

The Authority is appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Minister of Justice. They must have at least 5 years’ experience as a barrister or solicitor of the High Court. Appointments to the position are for a term of 3 years, and a person may be reappointed.

The current Authority is Trish McConnell.

Laws that cover our work

The Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority is governed by the following laws:

Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010(external link)

Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Regulations 2011(external link)

Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators (Fees) Regulations 2011(external link)

Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators (Specified Date) Order 2011(external link)

Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators (Code of Conduct – Surveillance of Individuals) Regulations 2011(external link)

Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators (Forms) Regulations 2011(external link)

Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act (Minimum Training) Regulations 2013(external link)

Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997(external link)

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