[ FAQS ]

Frequently Asked
Questions.

  • A crowded place is any location that large numbers of people can access easily and predictably. Examples include:

    • Sporting venues and stadiums

    • Shopping centres and retail precincts

    • Transport hubs and public transport facilities

    • Restaurants, hotels, theatres and entertainment venues

    • Schools and educational facilities

    • Community events, festivals and markets

    • Places of worship

    • Tourist attractions

    • Public spaces such as parks, pedestrian malls and busy streets

    A crowded place is not necessarily busy all the time. Crowd numbers may vary depending on the time of day, season, or specific events being held.

    For more information visit:
    https://www.police.govt.nz/faq/what-crowded-place

  • ESCAPE. HIDE. TELL. is the New Zealand Police public safety message designed to help people respond during an armed offender or violent attack.

    The guidance encourages people to:

    Escape if it is safe to do so

    Hide if escape is not possible

    Tell Police by calling 111 when it is safe

    A range of posters, guides and training resources are available to help organisations educate staff, volunteers and visitors about this important safety message. You’ll find links to these on our Resources page.

  • The New Zealand Police Crowded Places Guidance and Self-Assessment Tool are a good starting point for venue owners and event organisers.

    A crowded places security consultant should be considered when:

    • You need help identifying and assessing security risks

    • Your venue or event presents moderate to high security concerns

    • The Self-Assessment Tool identifies the need for additional protective measures

    • You require independent advice on security planning, procedures or infrastructure

    For venues or events with higher risk profiles, engaging an experienced security consultant can help ensure appropriate and proportionate security measures are implemented.

  • A suitably qualified security consultant should:

    • Hold the appropriate Security Consultant licence and Certificate of Approval (CoA)

    • Have relevant experience conducting security reviews and risk assessments

    • Demonstrate knowledge of protective security requirements and best practice

    • Provide impartial advice that is independent of security product or guarding sales

    • Belong to a recognised professional association and adhere to professional standards

    Consultants should be able to provide evidence of their qualifications, experience and licensing upon request. Click here for a comprehensive list of qualifications, skills and experience required.

  • When selecting a security provider, consider whether they can demonstrate:

    • Appropriate licensing and regulatory compliance

    • Experience managing similar events or venues

    • Qualified and licensed operational staff

    • Experienced on-site management and supervision

    • Relevant training in crowded places security and risk management

    • Strong references from previous clients

    The provider should be able to explain how they will address the specific risks identified for your event or venue.

  • Some venues and events may require specialist security expertise due to their size, profile or assessed level of risk.

    Where a venue or event receives a high-risk assessment, consultation with New Zealand Police may be appropriate. In some circumstances, specialist counter-terrorism expertise may be recommended to address risks such as:

    • Hostile vehicle attacks

    • Active shooter incidents

    • Improvised explosive devices (IEDs)

    • Bomb threats

    • Drone-related threats

    • Lockdown and shelter-in-place procedures

    The security measures implemented should always be proportionate to the risks identified.

  • Volunteers may be suitable as stewards or wardens at small, low-risk community events. However, they should operate under the guidance of an experienced and licensed security professional.

    For events or venues that achieve a score of 30 or higher on the New Zealand Police Self-Assessment Tool, all security functions should be managed by a suitably qualified and licensed security provider.

  • AI - Artificial Intelligence
    ANPR - Automatic Number Plate Recognition
    BWC - Body-Worn Camera
    CCP - Casualty Collection Point
    CCTV - Closed-Circuit Television
    COA - Certificate of Approval
    CPTED - Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
    ERP - Emergency Response Plan
    GPS - Global Positioning System
    HVM - Hostile Vehicle Mitigation
    IDS - Intrusion Detection System
    IoT - Internet of Things
    KPI - Key Performance Indicator
    NSS - National Security System
    NZSA - New Zealand Security Association
    PSPLA - Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority
    PSR - Protective Security Requirements
    RFID - Radio Frequency Identification
    SOC - Security Operations Centre
    SOP - Standard Operating Procedure
    VaPS - Venues and Public Spaces
    VMS - Video Management System or Visitor Management System (depending on context)