Patched Head Hunter Denied Certificate of Approval for Security Work

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Photo: RNZ/John Edens

Should a patched member of the Head Hunters motorcycle gang be allowed to work as a security guard? That was the question posed recently to a licensing authority considering an application from one of the gang’s members to join the ranks of the country’s security professionals.

The application faced strong opposition from the police, who highlighted that the gang’s primary rule is to never assist officers in any inquiry or investigation against friend or foe.

Despite the aspiring security worker, known only as Mr FB, believing he could prioritize his responsibilities as a Certificate of Authority holder over those of the gang, adjudicator Kate Lash of the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority disagreed.

Lash accepted the police’s evidence on how the Head Hunters operate, expressing concerns that Mr FB would be compelled to undertake activities conflicting with New Zealand laws or his employment by the gang if instructed to do so.

While Mr FB affirmed his allegiance to his whanau and his mahi, he had not yet chosen to renounce his membership in the Head Hunters, a decision that hindered his desired career path.

Despite his tenure in the security industry and rapid progression to a team leader role, Lash noted that being a gang member and a security guard simultaneously was incompatible.

At a hearing earlier this year, Mr FB explained his initial reasons for joining the Head Hunters, citing a search for community without involvement in the gang’s criminal activities.

While he received substantial support at the hearing and had references attesting to his good character, the police argued that the gang’s values contradicted the requirements of a professional security worker.

Sergeant Chris Mcleod highlighted that the Head Hunters endorsed criminal behaviour, flaunted law-breaking, prioritized gang rules over legal obligations, and enforced consequences for members attempting to leave.

Adjudicator Lash acknowledged Mr FB’s positive attributes and impressive qualities but emphasized that his gang affiliation posed a significant obstacle to obtaining a Certificate of Approval.

She noted the potential risks associated with having patched gang members working in security roles, stating that it could facilitate illegal activities and compromise public safety due to inter-gang conflicts.

Lash clarified that while Mr FB demonstrated potential in the security industry, he needed to relinquish his gang membership to pursue a different application for a COA in the future.

Jeremy Wilkinson, an Open Justice reporter with a focus on courts and justice issues, covered this story in collaboration with the New Zealand Herald.

Original story link: New Zealand Herald

Image source: RNZ