Unit of competency details

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 and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Assess incidents .

1.1 Identify incidents  and determine responses according to use of force guidelines, legal responsibilities and organisational procedures.

1.2 Collect information about incidents from a range of different sources to allow reliable assessment of risk .

1.3 Identify causes of incidents and assess them for degree of security risk.

1.4 Maintain communication to provide accurate and relevant information to all parties.

2 Determine response options .

2.1 Evaluate responses  and select them to maximise safety of people according to legal requirements and organisational procedures.

2.2 Determine the need to take action to reduce the degree of risk according to delegations and organisational procedures.

2.3 Give priority in responses to the safety and protection of all people involved in the incident and reducing the possible escalation of the incident and risk factors.

2.4 Adjust or discontinue responses according to changing circumstances and use of force guidelines.

2.5 Identify situations requiring assistance and request support promptly.

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

Required skills :

• interpreting and complying with legal and procedural requirements
• selecting response options within specified legal and strategic limits
• selecting response options that are most effective for the objective
• using communication to reduce the level of threat or conflict
• using communication to give clear, accurate and concise information
• using security equipment
• identifying current and potential risk factors and their impact on the incident or situation
• working as part of a team
• reviewing response strategies and making adjustments according to changing circumstances.

Required knowledge :

• legislative requirements covering use of force, duty of care, use of restraint, use of arrest and use of defensive weapons
• organisation's policies and procedures covering emergency response, use of weapons, use of restraint, incident management, recording and reporting
• principles of effective communication and use of interpersonal techniques, especially under pressure
• principles of problem solving
• team roles and responsibilities, delegations, chain of command and accountability
• use of security equipment
• surveillance and observation techniques
• alarms and signals
• principles of cooperative teamwork.

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

Overview of assessment 

Evidence for assessment must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.

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

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

• the knowledge requirements of this unit
• the skill requirements of this unit
• application of employability skills as they relate to this unit
• ability to assess incidents and determine appropriate responses to security risks in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment will require demonstration in the contexts of:

• risks to offenders
• risks to staff
• risks to members of the public
• incidents within a custodial setting
• incidents in the general community and in public locations.

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

• a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered by an individual responsible for assessing incidents and determining appropriate responses to security risks as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine
• copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to assessing incidents and determining appropriate responses to security risks
• access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Method of assessment 

The following assessment methods are suggested:

• observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations
• written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
• completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities
• third-party reports from experienced practitioners
• completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues.

Guidance information for assessment 

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

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 in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any 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.

Incidents  will include:

• fire
• violence and physical threat
• medical emergencies
• security breaches
• uncooperative and abusive behaviour
• destruction of property.

Assessment of risk  should include assessment of the following factors:

• known information about people involved in the incident
• observation of the environment and physical conditions
• nature of the incident
• available resources and team backup
• communication channels
• range of response options available
• potential and triggers for escalation or defusing.

Responses  will be in line with established procedures, authorised by the organisation and may include:

• defusing an aggressive situation
• making a tactical withdrawal
• making requests for assistance
• using negotiation techniques
• using restraint techniques and equipment
• using tactical response methods
• using defensive equipment.