PSPLA and Police Take Action: Troy Wakefield Case Highlights Efforts to Clean Up the Security Industry
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Troy Wakefield’s recent case highlights the incredible work being done by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA) to ensure the security industry remains trustworthy and transparent. This authority, often working hand-in-hand with the police, has been taking bold steps to remove individuals who jeopardize the reputation and safety of the profession.
In this case, the PSPLA acted decisively following a complaint from the New Zealand Police. Wakefield was convicted on December 4, 2024, of attempted kidnapping and dangerous driving—serious offenses that are clearly incompatible with the responsibilities of a security professional. His sentence included one year of home detention and a one-year driving disqualification. These charges alone disqualified him under Section 62 of the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010, leading to the mandatory cancellation of his certificate of approval (COA).
Notably, Wakefield didn’t contest the complaint. He failed to attend the hearing, submit a written response, or apply for a waiver of his disqualification. To make matters worse, police reported that he had already breached his home detention conditions twice. Given the seriousness of his crimes and his apparent disregard for the law, the PSPLA had no choice but to act swiftly and cancel his COA, ordering him to return his security ID within seven days.
This case is a shining example of the PSPLA’s commitment to upholding standards in the private security industry. By collaborating closely with the police, the authority ensures that only those with integrity and professionalism can hold positions of responsibility. Their actions not only protect the public but also reinforce trust within the industry itself. Their partnership with the police is a testament to their mission to protect the public and ensure that the security industry remains a profession people can trust.