A security guard has had his licence cancelled after he posted an expletive-laden video to his social media advertising what he claimed to be cocaine while wearing his work uniform.
The Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority ruled at a hearing last month that Chavez Stewart's conduct amounted to misconduct that was "disgraceful, wilful and reckless", and found he was no longer suitable to work in the industry.
The video — which a client of his employer discovered and forwarded to the company — showed Stewart wearing his uniform and high visibility security vest, with his employer's name clearly visible.
In the clip, he displayed a white substance to the camera and makes gang hand signals, finishing by saying he planned to "jump back on board with the Mongrel Mob".
Stewart admitted making the video, but said it was out of character, the result of emotional turmoil, and that he didn't mean for it to go public. He claimed the substance shown was not cocaine but a mixture of flour and crushed Panadol.
Licensing authority head Trish McConnell said she did not accept the explanation, as the video – although amateurish – was filmed in three or four locations and edited with captions.
She said the substance would have required time and effort to prepare and package, adding Stewart also held the bag up to the camera twice "presumably so people can see that it is in fact 'snow' that he is selling".
McConnell said the behaviour demonstrated a knowledge and association with "both gang and drug culture", which she said was incompatible with the character and background required of security workers.
Stewart had held a security certificate for only a few months at the time of the incident. The authority also heard that he had been fired from his previous security job for scrolling on his phone at work and had resigned from his latest role once disciplinary action began over the video.
McConnell said the video was filmed outside of work hours but Stewart was wearing his full uniform with his employer's company name and logo clearly visible.
She said the information provided at the hearing demonstrated that Stewart was "emotionally fragile" and had a problem with alcohol.
"It was clear during the hearing that Mr Stewart is not currently suitable to return to security work. To do so he needs to address his mental health issues, his problems with alcohol, and end any association with drugs and gangs."
Stewart's licence was cancelled, effective immediately, and he was required to return his security ID within seven days.
No minimum stand down period was imposed, but to regain certification he must provide medical confirmation that he is mentally and emotionally well, evidence he is drug free and not associated with any gang, and a letter from a prospective employer acknowledging his history and supporting his application.
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