Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to select and apply appropriate empty hand techniques. It requires the ability to use force in circumstances where there is a risk to safety of self and others. Competency also requires knowledge of the procedures for conducting an arrest.

This unit may form part of the licensing and legal requirements for the use of empty hand techniques and tactical force procedures by persons working in the security industry in those states and territories where these are regulated activities.

Application of the unit 

This unit of competency has wide application in the security industry in those roles providing guarding and personal protection activities. Competency requires legal and operational knowledge applicable to relevant sectors of the security industry. The knowledge and skills described in this unit are to be applied within relevant legislative and organisational guidelines.

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Identify need to use empty hand techniques .

1.1 Applicable provisions of legislative  and organisational requirements  relevant to own role, competence and authority are identified and complied with.

1.2 Movements and actions of subject are continually observed to anticipate movement and aggressive actions.

1.3 Stance and distance from subject maximises range of defensive options and tactical advantages in physical contact.

1.4 Alternative response options  are assessed for viability and withdrawal options are identified and incorporated into defensive options.

1.5 Personal safety needs  are identified and maintained.

1.6 Appropriate interpersonal techniques  are used and communication is maintained with subject.

2 Apply defensive techniques .

2.1 Empty hand techniques  are applied in accordance with use of force guidelines.

2.2 Grip on subject is secure, firm and applied using level of force proportionate to the context of the threat.

2.3 Holds are applied quickly to appropriate areas of the body using recognised techniques.

2.4 Strikes and blows from subject are anticipated and positioning is adopted, parried or blocked using recognised techniques.

2.5 Contact with subject is limited to the minimum necessary to removing immediate threat and is discontinued at cessation of threat.

3 Isolate subject .

3.1 Weapons and potentially dangerous items are removed from subject and located a safe distance from incident area.

3.2 Situations requiring assistance are identified and sought from relevant persons .

3.3 Subject is maintained at safe distance from members of the public and opportunities for escape are identified and minimised.

3.4 Restraint of subject is conducted in compliance with established procedures.

3.5 Subject is escorted from incident scene to a secure location in accordance with organisational procedures.

4 Evaluate response .

4.1 Effectiveness of response is reviewed and evaluated against circumstances of the incident.

4.2 Incident observations are provided accurately and constructively.

4.3 Review findings identify areas for improvement and recommendations for amendment of response procedures are provided for future practice.

4.4 Relevant documentation  is completed and securely maintained with due regard to confidentiality in accordance with organisational procedures.

4.5 Effects of stress  and other issues related to own well-being are recognised and managed using appropriate stress management techniques .

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communicate and negotiate using clear and concise language
• communicate effectively with people from different social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and of varying physical and mental abilities
• determine response appropriate to incident situation
• identify and comply with applicable legal and procedural requirements including 'use of force' guidelines
• identify risk factors and assess degree of risk
• implement empty hand techniques without harming subject
• interpret and follow instructions and procedures
• minimise threat to self and to others by use of appropriate force options
• operate security and communications equipment
• participate in review and debrief procedures
• record, report and process information
• use negotiation techniques to defuse and resolve conflict.

Required knowledge 

• communication techniques, codes and signals
• correct use of equipment including personal protective equipment
• documentation, reporting and reviewing or debriefing processes
• emergency and evacuation procedures and instructions
• empty hand techniques
• first aid procedures and their application
• incident management and methods of restraint
• legal provisions relating to powers of arrest and 'use of force' guidelines
• negotiation techniques for managing conflict
• observation and monitoring techniques
• powers and procedures for effecting an arrest
• principles of effective communication including interpersonal techniques
• problem-solving methods and techniques
• security incidents and appropriate responses.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

• applying appropriate use of force according to the nature of the threat without harm to the subject
• applying empty hand techniques that avoid vital areas of the body
• identifying current and potential risk factors which might impact on the safety and security of self and others and implementing appropriate response measures
• using effective communication techniques to provide warnings and clear directions to subject, and conduct basic negotiation to defuse conflict in a manner which engages minority groups
• reacting in a timely manner to the application and termination of force
• selecting response options within specified legal and strategic limits.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment includes:

• a setting in the workplace or environment that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range statement.

Resource implications for assessment include:

• access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures
• access to a registered provider of assessment services
• access to a suitable venue and equipment
• assessment instruments including personal planner and assessment record book
• work schedules, organisational policies and duty statements.

Reasonable adjustments must be made to assessment processes where required for people with disabilities. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment 

This unit of competency could be assessed using the following methods of assessment:

• observation of processes and procedures
• questioning of underpinning knowledge and skills.

Guidance information for assessment 

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and suitable to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the competency being assessed. In all cases where practical assessment is used, it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

Oral questioning or written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a choice between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Legislative requirements may relate to :

• apprehension and powers of arrest
• Australian standards and quality assurance requirements
• counter-terrorism
• crowd control and control of persons under the influence of intoxicating substances
• force continuum, use of force guidelines
• general 'duty of care' responsibilities
• inspection of people and property, and search and seizure of goods
• licensing or certification requirements
• privacy and confidentiality
• relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation, codes and national standards for:

• anti-discrimination
• cultural and ethnic diversity
• environmental issues
• equal employment opportunity
• industrial relations
• Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

• relevant industry codes of practice
• trespass and the removal of persons.

Organisational requirements may relate to :

• access and equity policies, principles and practices
• business and performance plans
• client service standards
• code of conduct, code of ethics
• communication and reporting procedures
• complaint and dispute resolution procedures
• emergency and evacuation procedures
• employer and employee rights and responsibilities
• OHS policies, procedures and programs
• own role, responsibility and authority
• personal and professional development
• privacy and confidentiality of information
• quality assurance and continuous improvement processes and standards
• resource parameters and procedures
• roles, functions and responsibilities of security personnel
• storage and disposal of information.

Response options may include :

• arrest of person
• cultural support
• defusing the situation
• request for assistance
• restraint of person
• sending alarms
• separation or isolation
• tactical withdrawal
• use of empty hand techniques
• use of negotiation techniques
• use of specialists or experts.

Personal safety needs may include :

• access to emergency services
• access to specific security equipment
• additional training
• appropriate vehicle
• clarification of own responsibility and competence
• maintaining regular communication
• personal protective equipment
• provision of back-up support
• working in a team.

Interpersonal techniques  may involve:

• active listening
• being non-judgemental
• being respectful and non-discriminatory
• constructive feedback
• control of tone of voice and body language
• culturally aware and sensitive use of language and concepts
• demonstrating flexibility and willingness to negotiate
• effective verbal and non-verbal communication
• maintaining professionalism
• providing sufficient time for questions and responses
• reflection and summarising
• two-way interaction
• use of plain English
• use of positive, confident and cooperative language.

Empty hand techniques may include :

• avoidance techniques
• blocking techniques
• body positioning
• body safety
• impact techniques
• locking and holding techniques
• take down techniques.

Relevant persons may include :

• colleagues
• emergency services personnel
• medical personnel
• specialist teams
• supervisor.

Documentation may include :

• activity logs
• incident reports
• request for assistance forms
• vehicle and personnel movements
• written and electronic reports.

Effects of stress may include :

• frustration
• inability to concentrate
• increasing aggression
• over-talking
• tiredness
• uncoordinated movements.

Stress management techniques may include :

• conscious use of personal recreational activities
• counselling
• formal debriefing processes
• informal exploration of incidents with team members and supporters
• review of practice and resources.

Unit sector 

Security

Competency field 

Operations