Peter Scott Tulloch-Caught Red-Handed by PSPLA

26.01.2025

ARTICLE

The New Zealand private security sector has been shaken by the recent findings against Peter Scott Tulloch, whose actions were scrutinized in a report issued by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA). What started as complaints investigated by the Complaints, Investigation, and Prosecution Unit (CIPU) uncovered violations that have tarnished Tulloch’s professional standing.

In 2018, Peter Scott Tulloch filed an application to add the classes of "security consultant," "private investigator," and "repossession agent" to his certificate of approval (COA). In support of this application, a letter from his then-employer, Senjo Security, claimed that Tulloch had been trained and proven capable in these areas of work.

CIPU’s investigation revealed this letter to be incorrect. Tulloch admitted that he had not received training in these classes nor performed work for Senjo Security in the stated capacities. He also acknowledged that the information in his application was false but attempted to shift responsibility, stating he never saw the supporting letter and that his employer sent it directly to the PSPLA.

Despite this defense, the investigation found Tulloch had knowingly provided false information by ticking “Yes” in his application, confirming 12 months of relevant experience in the specified classes. This act constituted a contravention of Section 105 of the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010.

Tulloch was also accused of misconduct for recording individuals on his mobile phone. CIPU confirmed that these recordings involved at least two people and were made in Tulloch’s private capacity, unrelated to his work in private security. As the recordings did not breach the Code of Conduct for Private Investigators and were lawful, the Licensing Authority dismissed this part of the complaint.

The Licensing Authority concluded that Tulloch’s actions in submitting false information met the threshold for breaching Section 105 of the Act. The following orders were made on December 20, 2024:

1. The classes of "repossession agent," "security consultant," and "private investigator" were removed from Mr. Tulloch’s certificate of approval, effective immediately.
2. Mr. Tulloch was directed to return his Security ID so a new ID could be issued without the removed classes.
3. Mr. Tulloch was formally reprimanded for his actions.
4. A $500 fine was imposed as a penalty.

The Licensing Authority determined that canceling Tulloch’s COA entirely was unnecessary. Since the false information was provided six years ago and Tulloch had not worked in the revoked classes during that time, it was deemed appropriate to limit the penalty to the removal of the classes and a fine.

This case highlights the importance of honesty and accountability in the private security sector. The PSPLA’s firm response demonstrates that misrepresentations, even historical ones, will not go unaddressed.

The facts and findings in this article are based on the official decision document issued by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (NZPSPLA 120, December 2024).