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.
Guilty of misconduct
But the PSPLA rejected that explanation, noting that the video had required planning and editing and that the substance had been packaged to resemble drugs.
The decision notes that the guard holds the substance "up close to the camera on two occasions … presumably so people can see that it is in fact 'snow' that he is selling."
The Authority further found that even if the video had been filmed outside working hours, the security guard's conduct was sufficiently connected to his role because he was in full uniform and his employer's name was visible.
"I am also satisfied that a reasonable person would consider [the guard's] behaviour to be disgraceful, wilful, and reckless," the Authority said.
"[The guard] is therefore guilty of misconduct."
Concerns over character, alcohol, gang associations
Beyond the video, the PSPLA also expressed broader concerns about the guard's suitability for security work, citing his short and troubled work history, emotional fragility, and acknowledged alcohol issues.
The employee has only held a security certificate since July 2024. He told the Authority he "loves" working in security, but admitted he had been fired from a previous role for scrolling on his phone while on duty, and had resigned from his most recent position after disciplinary action over the Instagram video.
The decision notes that Stewart "accepts he has problems with alcohol" and says he has enrolled in a CADS (Community Alcohol and Drug Services) course and is seeking professional help.
However, he provided "no evidence" that he is drug-free, nor any material to refute his apparent association with "gang and drug culture" portrayed in the video.
He also failed to supply written responses, references, or independent supporting evidence ahead of the hearing, despite being directed to do so.
"It was clear during the hearing that [the employee] is not currently suitable to return to security work," the Authority wrote.
"To do so he needs to address his mental health issues, his problems with alcohol, and end any association with drugs and gangs."
Certificate cancelled
The Authority then ordered the security guard's certificate to be "cancelled effective immediately," with his Security ID to be returned to the PSPLA.
However, the decision stops short of imposing a minimum stand-down period before he can reapply.
Instead, the Authority sets strict conditions for any future application:
- Medical confirmation that he is mentally and emotionally well
- Evidence that he is drug-free and continuing to address alcohol issues
- Confirmation of no gang associations
- A letter from a prospective employer acknowledging his background and supporting his return to security work
