INDUSTRY
Protecting the Peace: Public protest and private security We are fortunate to live in a liberal democracy where people are free to engage in protest. But protest is often confrontational, and private security guards are often on the front line, writes Joanna Mathers. From civil unrest in Hong Kong, to the Ihumātao action in Auckland, protests are ramping up around the globe. While the right to protest is enshrined within our political system, when it spills over into private property, problems can arise. The Hong Kong protests have seen security guards arrested for allegedly preventing police from chasing protestors
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into a mall. And most recently, they’ve been at the forefront of angry shouting mobs, as more than 100 demonstrators attempted to enter a shopping complex in the east of the city. Closer to home, security guards on Waiheke Island were called “heavy handed” when they were involved in removing protestors from private property in 2012. The incident centred around 13 guards, who along with police, stopped locals protesting against the
barging of two prefabricated units over an esplanade reserve. Eight people were detained by police, and according to claims, guards carried protestors away from the site. If not handled correctly, protest situations can escalate quickly and publically. It’s vital, therefore, that security companies have plans in place before such action arises, so they know how to protect their clients and avoid harm to people or property.
December 2019/January 2020
