Risks / Opportunities
9.
The draft Police Instruction is a scenario-based policy to support frontline interactions with
SOVCITs. It is intended that we will build on it over time and may need to move towards a
more prescriptive approach if these challenges grow.
10. In terms of specific risks, the draft acknowledges and provides guidance in relation to:
a.
SOVCITs who may be non-compliant or confrontational.
b.
SOVCITs who present fraudulent diplomatic identification cards.
c.
SOVCITs who hold attitudes or beliefs that align with violent extremism or terrorism.
11. There is no clear organisational owner of SOVCITs, with several business groups and all
Police District staff being affected by them. As part of its broader role, Assurance Group has
prepared the Police Instruction to support core policing activities and is comfortable to own
the Instruction for stewardship purposes, but subject matter expertise from across the
business will be required to ensure it remains current.
Consultation
12. The draft Police Instruction was developed with input from Wellington and Central Districts,
the Security Intelligence and Threats Group in the National Intelligence Centre, Police Legal,
Road Policing, Ministerial Services, and MFAT.
Next steps
13. It is proposed that prior to the Chief Assurance Officer approving the Police Instruction for
publication, any feedback from SPRG will be incorporated and final endorsement obtained
from the Chief Legal Advisor, the Director: Road Policing, the Manager: Ministerial Services,
and the Director: National Intelligence.
Recommendations
It is recommended the Security and Privacy Reference Group (SPRG):
(i)
Note that a new Police Instruction regarding sovereign citizens has been developed to support
increasingly challenging frontline interactions and information requests.
(ii)
Discuss and review the draft Police Instruction and provide any feedback.
(iii)
Note the intention for the Chief Assurance Officer to ultimately approve the Police Instruction for
publication, following SPRG’s feedback and final endorsement from the Chief Legal Advisor, the
Director: Road Policing, the Manager: Ministerial Services and the Director: National Intelligence.
_________________________________
Mike Webb
Chief Assurance Officer
