Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the CSC Correctional Services Training Package Release 5.0

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess the need to use and apply defensive techniques, contain incidents, and evaluate responses.

This unit applies to those working in a custodial correctional services context.

An individual undertaking this role works with support from a coordinated team with regular support.

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 incident response.

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.

1 

Assess the need to use defensive techniques 

1.1 

Assess the level and nature of risk based on incident risk factors and identified opportunities

1.2 

Assess incidents to determine the need for defensive techniques in line with organisational use of force guidelines, legal requirements, and emergency response procedures

1.3 

Assess the capacity to complete the defensive action and consider viability of using alternative actions

2 

Apply defensive techniques 

2.1 

Call for assistance and support using authorised alarms and codes

2.2 

Apply defensive techniques ensuring protection and safety of people involved

2.3 

Assess and reassess the amount of force required to control the incident

2.4 

Carry defensive equipment in a secure, protected and accessible position for safe deployment

2.5 

Present and deploy defensive equipment using organisational techniques

2.6 

Perform defensive tactics with respect to dignity and human rights

2.7 

Monitor subject for signs and symptoms of medical issues and respond appropriately

3 

Contain incident 

3.1 

Adjust or discontinue response according to changes in circumstances and degree of risk

3.2 

Use the assistance of responding officers and other appropriate resources to contain the incident

4 

Evaluate response 

4.1 

Complete records and reports in accordance with organisational procedures

4.2 

Provide accounts of incidents as part of the review and debriefing process

4.3 

Evaluate and review the effectiveness of own performance

4.4 

Recognise and manage the effects of stress on self, using recognised 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 Correctional Services Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This unit replaces and is equivalent to CSCSAS009 Control incidents using defensive tactics.

Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the CSC Correctional Services Training Package Release 5.0

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least two occasions and include:

• providing verbal warnings and clear directions and instructions
• using effective tactical communication
• using defensive tactics to control the incident
• selecting reasonable force option in response to the incident
• assessing and reassessing the level of force required
• carrying and using defensive equipment in accordance with organisational instruction
• retention of defensive equipment
• completing reports and documentation
• maintaining respect, dignity and human rights principles.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

• legal requirements and organisational policies and procedures related to use of defensive tactics
• duty of care
• considerations for the use of defensive tactics on vulnerable people
• stress management techniques
• human rights principles
• signs and symptoms of potential medical issues during the use of defensive tactics
• fundamentals of defensive tactics
• authorised alarms and codes
• reporting requirements
• defensive equipment issue, use and storage.

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.