Retailers need to consider the risks of allowing security staff to use citizen’s arrest powers, as an arrest can create risks for both the person being detained and the staff member involved.
The New Zealand Security Association (NZSA) has released guidelines and supporting training to help security staff use citizen’s arrest powers. The guidance covers steps to consider before making an arrest, including observation, de-escalation and evidence gathering.
Retail NZ has welcomed the guidance and said retailers should consider whether to allow citizen’s arrest in their stores. Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young said the power should be used as a last resort.
“Knowing when you can lawfully undertake citizen’s arrest and doing so safely is very complex, and these guidelines from the Security Association show just how difficult and complicated it is to get right,” she said.
Retail NZ said observation, de-escalation, evidence gathering and early Police involvement should be considered before an arrest. Young said only security staff who have undergone the new targeted training should use the power.
“Undertaking a citizen’s arrest puts both the alleged offender and the person performing the action at significant risk of harm. Without the proper understanding of the law and training on how to detain someone safely, it is very easy for things to go wrong,” Young said.
