Release 2. Modifications have been made to:

• Assessment Conditions

Release 1. This unit was released in CSC Correctional Services Training Package release 1.0 and meets the Standards for Training Packages.

This unit supersedes and is equivalent to CSCSAS404A Use firearms.

• PC 2.3 and 3.3 wording revised

This unit describes the skills required to assess the need to use firearms, handle and discharge firearms and evaluate responses post-incident.

This unit applies to those working with offenders in prisons and secure custodial centres. With changes based on different organisation’s needs, it can apply to specialist emergency units, escort services, specialist roles and to workers in the community where this function is part of the work role.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to discharge of firearms.

Those undertaking this unit work independently as part of a coordinated team. The role requires strong communication and decision making skills.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

Not applicable

Safety and security

Not applicable

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1 

Assess the need to use firearms 

1.1 

Analyse incident to assess the need for the use of firearms against the degree and nature of risk to people, the organisation’s use of force guidelines, and emergency response procedures.

1.2 

Anticipate risk, based on assessment of information available, observation of the hazards in the situation and likely consequences of events.

1.3 

Assess and select options for action on the basis of capacity to complete the actions and suitability of response to the degree of risk.

1.4 

Identify situations requiring assistance and request support promptly.

2 

Handle and discharge firearms 

2.1 

Carry firearms in a secure, protected and accessible manner that complies with legal requirements and organisation procedures.

2.2 

Employ tactical positioning that is consistent with assessment of intentions and risks and anticipates a range of different actions.

2.3 

Make judgements about the use of firearms according to use of force guidelines and legal requirements.

2.4 

Select ammunition appropriate to firearm that complies with manufacturer specifications and legal requirements.

2.5 

Select personal protective equipment according to the requirements of the situation and use it according to organisational procedures.

2.6 

Check that grip, handling and presentation of firearms comply with legal requirements and ensure retention and continued control.

2.7 

Discharge firearms where necessary according to legislation and organisational policy and procedures.

2.8 

Maintain consistency of accuracy in the discharge of firearms as defined by organisational standards and procedures.

3 

Evaluate response 

3.1 

Evaluate and review effectiveness of responses according to information, observation and outcomes of events.

3.2 

Provide accurate and constructive observations of incidents in review and debriefing of incidents.

3.3 

Complete records and reports that comply with the organisation’s procedures.

3.4 

Recognise and manage the effects of stress, using stress management techniques.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Supersedes and is equivalent to CSCSAS404A Use firearms.

Release 2. Modifications have been made to:

• Assessment Conditions

Release 1. These Assessment Requirements were released in CSC Correctional Services Training Package release 1.0 and meet the Standards for Training Packages.

Please refer to the advice in the CSC Assessment Guide.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least two occasions.

• interpreting and complying with legal and procedural requirements related to the use of firearms, tactical response and defensive techniques
• estimating levels of conflict and degree of risk
• using firearms in a manner that minimises harm and injury
• applying timely reactions in the use and termination of force
• providing clear verbal warnings, directions and information
• using appropriate self-defence techniques
• using appropriate avoidance techniques
• establishing containment and isolation according to situation

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

• organisation’s policies and procedures related to use of firearms
• code of conduct
• duty of care
• available firearms and ammunition
• response options that are most effective for the degree and nature of risk
• communication techniques
• stress management techniques
• risk factors and their impact on incidents and situations
• safe and controlled handling of firearms
• safe and correct use of ammunition
• safe and appropriate use of tactical positions

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
• acceptable means of simulation assessment
• applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
• relevant materials, tools, equipment and PPE currently used in industry.