NZ Security Licence Use of Force Under NZ Law 2

Question 1

Can a security guard use force to prevent a person from recording them on a mobile phone in a public place?

Accepted Answer

No — filming in a public place is generally lawful and force cannot be used to prevent it

Answer

Yes — security guards have the right to prevent being filmed while on duty

Answer

Yes — but only verbal instructions may be used, not physical force

Answer

Only if the recording is taking place in a restricted area of a licensed premises

Question 2

What is a security guard's duty of care toward a person they have used force on?

Accepted Answer

To ensure they receive appropriate medical assistance if injured and to monitor their condition

Answer

Only to ensure they are handed to Police

Answer

No duty of care exists during the execution of a lawful detention

Answer

Only to call an ambulance if the person is unconscious

Question 3

What does 'de-escalation' mean in the security context?

Accepted Answer

Using communication techniques and non-confrontational positioning to reduce a threatening situation without using physical force

Answer

Gradually reducing the level of physical force being applied during a restraint

Answer

A formal process for downgrading a security alert level after an incident

Answer

A reporting process for reducing the severity of an incident record

Question 4

A security guard at a concert uses a wristlock on an unruly patron. The patron complies. What should the guard do with the wristlock?

Accepted Answer

Release it as soon as compliance is achieved — force should not continue beyond the point of compliance

Answer

Maintain it until Police arrive to ensure the patron cannot re-escalate

Answer

Transfer to handcuffs as a matter of standard procedure

Answer

Ask a supervisor's permission before releasing any restraint technique

Question 5

Under what circumstances may a security guard use force to protect a third party?

Accepted Answer

When the third party is in immediate danger from an unlawful attack and the force used is proportionate to that threat

Answer

Only when directly instructed to do so by a police officer

Answer

Only when the third party is another security guard

Answer

Only when the third party is on the premises the guard is contracted to secure

Question 6

What should a security guard do if they have used physical force on a patron and the patron is now calm?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the patron's welfare, document the incident fully, and report to their supervisor

Answer

Release the patron without any further action if they are now calm

Answer

Continue to monitor the patron from a distance without documentation

Answer

Ask the patron to sign a release form acknowledging they were not injured