NZIPI Submissions To Parliament September 2009 Ron McQuilter
The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Bill SUBMISSION OF THE NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATORS INCORPORATED WISH TO BE HEARD Ron McQuilter, the Chair of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Investigators Incorporated ("NZIPI"), wishes to speak to our submission. He will be accompanied by another member of the NZIPI Executive. 2, ABOUT THE NZ INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATORS 2.1 This submission is made by the New Zealand Institute of Professional Investigators (NZIPI) on behalf of our members. The New Zealand Institute of Professional Investigators represents a large per cent of the current licensed private investigators. NZIPI was formed in 1993 by a group of professional private investigators comrnitted to raising the bar in standards, professionalism and client expectation. It is now widely regarded as the "The Industry Body" for professional private investigators in New Zealand. In order to become a member of New Zealand Institute of Professional Investigators you must agree to adhere to the highest professional standards. A recent survey of our membership identified that half of our membership had some 554 years of private sector investigative experience, as well as some 416 years of New Zealand Police service. Our members included two former Senior Sergeants, six former Detective Sergeants, nine former Detectives, four forrner uniform Sergeants and six former Constables of the New Zealand Police. 2.2 Our members have a combined total of some 970 years of public sector and private sector investigative expertise. It is a requirement of membership that, at all times in their professional work, NZIPI members must adhere to the following Code of Ethics: We shall perform our professional duties in accordance with the Laws of New Zealand and with the highest moral principles and with truthfulness and integrity. We will at all times take every care to ensure the professional reputation of the Institute, our members and our principles are not compromised We will be diligent and competent in performing our professional responsibilities and will, when properly called upon by the Institute 's ethics committee, be prepared to assist in any investigation as to our actions as they might reflect on the Institute 's reputation, ethics and objectives. The New Zealand Institute of Professional Investigators is committed to the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct at all times. 2.3 Questions regarding this submission should be directed to: Ron McQuilter, Chair New Zealand Institute of Professional Investigators Ph: (09) 377−3655 or 021 222 2232 Email: ton.mcquilter@paragonnz.com e SUPPORT FOR THE THRUST OF THE BILL In general, the NZIPT supports the thrust of the Bill and sees the Bill as good for the security sector. The NZIPI supports the Government's decision to update the legislation and bring it in line with the many changes in investigation practice and technology that have occurred over the past 35 years. The NZIPI has always focused on raising the standards of the profession and it recognises this Bill has a strong focus to achieve this. We are aware the New Zealand Security Association and Trevor Morley the former Chair of our organisation have also submitted on this Bil! and rather than repeat the content of their submission, the majority of which we are supportive, this submission has been prepared with particular focus on two areas of concern for our members, MAIN CHANGES WE SEEK Section 64 This section has been uplifted from Section 48 of the 1974 Act and relates to the requirement for a private investigator to display notices at offices. The current requirements identify the notice as needing to be conspicuous and to include the full name of the investigator. Further Subsection 3 of this Section requires private investigators to carry a statement on their correspondence to the effect that he or s
