Most security professionals are familiar with Security Industry licensing requirements and the role of the PSPLA, but less clear on who enforces those requirements and how. We outline the role of the CIPU, how they assist the security industry, and the most common complaints they receive.
What is the CIPU?
The Complaints Investigation Prosecution Unit (CIPU) is established under Section 100 of the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 (PSPPI Act).
The functions of CIPU include preparing reports on applications for licences and certificates, taking part in hearings, preparing reports, institute prosecutions for contraventions of the PSPPI Act, and regulations made under this Act, in the cases that the Chief Investigator of the unit considers appropriate.
To ensure compliance with the Act, CIPU Investigators conduct regular visits to hospitality venues such as bars and nightclubs and events to check that staff performing crowd controller security duties at those venues have certificate of approvals (COAs).
CIPU also provides education and awareness of PSPPI Act requirements, the complaints process and role of the CIPU to businesses that engage security personnel.
While the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA) makes decisions about licences and disciplinary actions, the CIPU is responsible for:
- Investigating complaints
- Gathering evidence
- Supporting licensing decisions
- Prosecuting breaches of the law
What Does the CIPU Do?
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Investigates complaints about security personnel
The CIPU investigates complaints relating to concerns around conduct, competence, and compliance with legal obligations in the following classes of security work:
- Security guards (Property Guard, Personal Guard)
- Crowd controllers (Bouncers/ door staff)
- Private investigators
- Security Technicians / Security Consultants
- Repossession Agent
- Monitoring Officer
- Document Destruction Agent
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Supports licensing and disciplinary decisions
The CIPU provides evidence and recommendations to the Licensing Authority, helping determine:
- Whether an individual is “fit and proper” to hold a licence
- Whether disciplinary action is required
- Outlines which Sections of the PSPPI Act have been breached
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Validates licence applications
The CIPU may assess and verify information submitted in licence applications to ensure only suitable individuals enter the industry.
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Participates in hearings
The CIPU plays an active role in:
- Licensing hearings
- Disciplinary proceedings
They present findings and evidence to support fair and informed decisions and examine witnesses.
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Prosecutes breaches of the law
Where necessary, the CIPU can prosecute individuals or businesses that breach the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act, including:
- Operating without a licence or Certificate of Approval
- Knowingly employing security personnel without the necessary certificates
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Conducts compliance
CIPU regularly conducts unannounced compliance checks on door staff/ bouncers (Crowd Controllers) at pubs, clubs and events nationwide to ensure that all people performing restricted security services hold the necessary Certificate of Approval. This ensures the public can have confidence knowing security staff have been appropriately vetted and trained.
How many complaints does the CIPU Receive?
CIPU does not receive complaints itself but commences investigations after directed by the PSPLA to investigate.
In 2024/25 the PSPLA received 224 complaints, some of which were dealt with by the PSPLA without the need for CIPU involvement. CIPU conducted 77 investigations in relation to complaints received by the PSPLA.
What penalties can be imposed for breaches of the PSPPI Act?
The most common offences that people can be prosecuted for under the Act are operating without a licence, operating without a Certificate of Approval, or employing staff that do not have the necessary Certificate of Approval.
If found guilty, these offences carry maximum penalties of up to $60,000 on a company or $40,000 on sole traders who operate without a licence, and those who operate without the necessary Certificate of Approval $20,000. See more information here.
Recent investigations conducted by the CIPU have resulted in fines of up to $14,000 and for cases where there have been Crimes Act Charges as well as PSPPI Act charges, imprisonment is a potential outcome if found guilty. Recently we had an outcome of a $14,000 fine for Operating without a Licence and 5 months imprisonment for Obtaining by Deception. In this instance the Judge did convert the imprisonment to 180 hours of community work.
Does the CIPU handle complaints directly from the public?
No, complaints should be directed in the first instance to the Licensing Authority or free phone 0800 477 752.
What are the most common types of complaints that the CIPU Receives?
Complaints about uncertified or unlicensed security providers and behaviour related complaints (unsatisfactory conduct or misconduct) by a security provider.
Do you have a Concern About Industry Conduct?
NZSA encourages members and industry stakeholders to raise concerns early to ensure we remain professional, accountable, and trusted.
Submit a concern or contact NZSA here:
Further Resources
NZSA – NZ Security Services Good Practice Guidelines
