Security guard's actions amounted to serious misconduct, Authority rules
An Auckland security guard has had his certificate of approval cancelled after the industry watchdog ruled that an Instagram video in which he appeared to advertise cocaine while in full security uniform amounted to serious misconduct and showed he was no longer suitable to work in the sector.
The Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA) found that the security worker's behaviour was "disgraceful, wilful and reckless" and ordered the immediate cancellation of his security certificate.
The case arose after the security guard posted an expletive-laden social media post in which he appeared to advertise cocaine for sale while wearing his security uniform and the company's name was clearly visible.
The clip, described as amateur but edited from three or four separate locations, showed the guard displaying a white substance he described as "snow," making gang hand signals and stating he was going to "jump back on board with the Mongrel Mob."
According to the decision, a concerned client of the employer saw the video online and sent a copy to the company, prompting the complaint.
The security guard admitted posting the video but claimed it was out of character, created "on the spur of the moment" while he was drunk and distressed after a relationship breakdown.
He also told the Authority that the substance shown was flour and crushed Panadol, not cocaine.
But the PSPLA...
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