M1993-32 Installation of Security Systems

The Premier recently reviewed the question of the installation, and subsequent removal of security systems in both the offices and private residences of Ministers, and he asked me to inform you of the following guidelines which are to apply to all future installations:

• If a Minister believes that she/he is at risk from a security point of view, the Minister should first seek a professional assessment of the risk potential from the Police Special Branch through contact with the Office of the Police Commissioner.
• If a positive assessment is made, Special Branch should be asked to evaluate the level of security required at both the Minister's Office and private residence in order to provide protection commensurate with the threat assessment.
• If a Minister chooses to adopt the Special Branch recommendations in full or in part, the approval to any work should first be sought from the Premier through the Director-General of the Premier's Department. The cost of any necessary work will be an expense against the Minister's Host Agency.
• Any costs must be met from within existing budget allocations and enhancements will not normally be available for security installations.
• When a Minister ceases to hold office, the Chief Executive Officer of the Host Agency is to arrange for the value of any security equipment in the Minister's residence to be assessed and for the necessary action to be taken in respect of the equipment i.e. sale to the Minister; removal from the premises; or other as appropriate.

R.G. Humphry
Director-General