Security analyst calls for stronger regulations for private investigators
Podcast |
Morning Report
Publisher |
Radio New Zealand
Media Type |
audio
Categories Via RSS |
News
Publication Date |
Apr 20, 2021
Episode Duration |
00:07:36
A leading security consultant says New Zealand's flimsy regulatory framework is allowing former SIS agents to use their counter-terrorism level training on law-abiding citizens. RNZ has learned that a former Security Intelligence officer is working for the discredited private investigation company Thompson and Clark, whose clients include the secretive Exclusive Brethren Church. Thompson and Clark was the subject of an enquiry by the State Services Commission after it was caught spying on Canterbury quake claimants and state abuse complainants. Former US intelligence and defence analyst Dr Paul Buchanan, director of 36 Parallel Assessments, told reporter Ruth Hill that tighter regulations are needed. Radio New Zealand wrote to the SIS director Rebbecca Kitteridge under the Official Information Act about a Thompson and Clark (TCIL) "collection manager" called Gerry running intelligence operations for the company and asked about his links with the NZSIS. Were NZSIS staff "aware of any TCIL staff member whose first name is Gerry and, if so, what is the link to these staff?" Kitteridge replied that she "could neither confirm nor deny the existence or non-existence of this information. A written statement from the SIS said "NZSIS staff gain a broad range of skills and experience which can be applied to other career opportunities. However neither the legislation, nor the NZSIS can dictate the future employment choices staff make when they leave us." We also approached the Justice Minister Kris Faafoi for comment. The Minister declined the invitation for an interview. We received this response from his office: "The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act requires that private investigators are suitably qualified and do not behave in ways which are contrary to the public interest. "Private investigators must be licensed and act in accordance with licensing requirements, including the Code of Conduct for surveillance of individuals." In addition his office said " Private investigators must operate in accordance with the law like anyone else. If they break the law, they can be subject to civil or criminal action like any other person". Gavin Clark of Thompson and Clark says his company "always strived to operate within the law and the rules and regulations of our industry".

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