An investigation has been launched by Internal Affairs, after
an unlicensed security guard was found working at a Central
Otago hot-spot on New Year's Eve.
Police received a tip-off from a member of the public
concerning the man, who was dressed as a security guard and
appeared to be working at a camping ground.
Sergeant Derek Ealson, of Alexandra, said security guards
were required to have a certificate of approval but the man
had his revoked in 2010.
''We were called by a member of the public and subsequent
inquiries revealed that he does not hold a certificate of
approval.
''We have now referred that to Internal Affairs and we will
work with them in conjunction to resolve the issue and
obviously to maintain that confidence with the public.''
Sgt Ealson said it was a ''concern'' that an unlicensed
security guard had been working in the area, but ''no other
matters have been brought to our attention, or are currently
being investigated''.
He said the Central Otago camping ground employed a security
firm to handle security.
''This is part of the reason it has been referred to Internal
Affairs, to establish the role this person has or has not
[got] with the company,'' Sgt Ealson said.
Internal Affairs community safety manger Steve O'Brien
confirmed in a statement he was aware of the incident.
''The department will work in conjunction with Alexandra
Police with regard to the unlicensed security guard,'' he
said.
hamish.mcneilly@odt.co.nz
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