7 January 2020
Mr [User 7569 name removed]
Request for information
Thank you for your request dated 23 November 2019 requesting information
on First Security personnel having access toi Palmerston North Police
Station.
You requested:
1. A copy of any contract/agreement between Police and First Security in
relation to their personell performing these patrols in Palmerston North.
2. If not already answered by information provided in relation to (1), a
description of the tasks being performed by First Security on behalf of
Police.
3. An explanation as to why First Security personell have access to non
public areas of Palmerston North (and potentially other) Police Station(s). I
have personally seen first security staff swipe in to non public areas of the
station in the absence of Police staff. If they do not usually have access
themselves and had borrowed an access card, why was this allowed by
Police?
4. Given First Security staff have access to non public areas of the Police
Station, what steps are taken to prevent these staff gaining access to
sensitive information about offenders or members of the public that First
Security and their staff are not entitled to collect (nor Police entitled to
disclose, with or without intention) under the Privacy Act.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the Official
Information Act 1982 and we advise the following:
1. First Security, (Safe City Hosts) are engaged by the council not
Police. As Police cannot answer questions one and two of your
request, Police transfer this part of your request to the Palmerston
North City Council under section 14 of the Official Information Act
1982.
Central District Headquarters
404 Church Street, Palmerston North
Telephone: 06 351 3600. . www.police.govt.nz
2. In response to part 3 of your request, First Security (Safe City Hosts)
have approved access to the Palmerston North Police Station as they
monitor the cities CCTV cameras. They also have access to the
station to receive briefings before commencing shift, use the meal
room and bathrooms. They have restricted access to the police
station.
3. In response to part 4 of your request, First Security (Safe City Hosts)
have restricted access to the station and do not have access to
sensitive information. When they are briefed they are provided only
with the information necessary to complete their tasks and to assist
police in preventing crime or disorder and to locate missing or wanted
persons.
If you have any questions, you may contact me by return email.
Yours sincerely
Jenny Street
OIA Team