Complaints about private security operators

How to complain about a private security operator, and what you can complain about.

How to make a complaint

To complain about a person or business working in private security or private investigation, you must fill in a complaint form:

Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority complaint form [PDF, 173 KB]

Postal address:
Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority
SX11159
Wellington

You must also, within 7 days of making a complaint, give a copy to the person or business you're complaining about.

It’s free to make a complaint.

Reasons for making a complaint

The form lists all the reasons you can complain about private security operators. These include:

  • not having a licence or certificate for the class of work they’re doing
  • not wearing a visible identification (ID) badge while working
  • not giving the name and address of their employer
  • not completing training
  • breaking a condition of their licence or certificate
  • misconduct or gross negligence
  • not being eligible for a licence or certificate under section 62 or section 63 of the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010. These cover things like criminal convictions, driving disqualifications and licences that have been cancelled or suspended in the past.

For individuals, see section 62(external link)

For companies, see section 63(external link)

You can make a complaint even if you don't know whether the person is licensed or not.

What will happen to my complaint?

We’ll consider your complaint. If it’s about someone who doesn’t have a licence or certificate we’ll pass it on to the Chief Investigator of the Complaints, Investigation, and Prosecution Unit (CIPU) of the Department of Internal Affairs.

We may:

  • hold a hearing. You’ll get at least 10 days' notice of this. You can conduct your own case or use a lawyer.
  • decide the matter using written submissions. These will be from you, and the person being complained about.

We’ll then make a decision and let both you and the person being complained about know the result.

This page was last updated:

 
Share