Unit of competency details

Release 

TP version 

Comments 

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DEF12 V2

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1

DEF12 V1

First release on TGA.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

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 Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Assess the need to use empty hand techniques, hand restraints and/or baton 

1.1 Situation is evaluated to determine most appropriate equipment  and control technique  in accordance with organisational policy, guidelines and legal requirements. 

1.2 Risk factors  and opportunities  are evaluated to determine person’s intentions. 

1.3 Capacity to complete action effectively is considered prior to commencement and alternative actions  are assessed for viability.

1.4 Situations requiring assistance are identified and support is promptly requested.

2. Apply empty hand techniques, hand restraints and/or use baton 

2.1 Appropriate techniques are selected to ensure protection of self and efficient completion of movement.

2.2 Empty hand techniques are applied in accordance with policy, guidelines and legal requirements.

2.3 Baton and hand restraints are carried in a secure, protected and accessible position for safe deployment.

2.4 Baton and hand restraints are presented and applied using recognised techniques in accordance with guidelines and legal requirements.

2.5 Sufficiency of response is constantly compared against identified opportunities.

3. Contain incident 

3.1 Response is adjusted or discontinued with changing circumstances in accordance with use of force guidelines.

3.2 Actions to detain person/s are undertaken within the limits of legal requirements, and organisational policy and procedures.

3.3 Situations requiring assistance are identified and support is promptly requested.

4. Evaluate response 

4.1 Effectiveness of response is evaluated and reviewed in accordance with legal requirement, and organisational policy and procedures.

4.2 Accurate and constructive observations of incidents are provided in reviewing and debriefing the situation.

4.3 System, records and reporting procedures are maintained in accordance with organisational procedures and policy.

4.4 Effects of stress  on self are recognised and managed using recognised stress management techniques. 

Required Skills

• apply basic problem solving strategies
• apply first aid
• apply legislative and/or legal provisions (including provisions governing the use of force, reactive force, misuse of force, proactive force, the duty of care under criminal, civil and international law)
• apply observation techniques
• communicate and negotiate under stressful situations
• encourage team members
• follow instructions and report information
• interpret instructions to facilitate solutions within operating parameters
• minimise threat to self and others by use of appropriate force
• present a professional image
• record and report information accurately according to legal and organisational procedures and policy
• use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques
• use active listening skills in communication with colleagues and personnel

Required Knowledge

• accurate interpretation and compliance with legal and procedural requirements
• application of appropriate use of force according to threat
• application of defensive strike techniques that avoid vital areas of the body where applicable
• composition of teams and roles and responsibilities of team members
• current and potential risk factors and their impact on the incident/situation
• legislative and/or legal provisions (including provisions governing the use of force, reactive force, misuse of force, proactive force, the duty of care under criminal, civil and international law)
• response options which are most effective for the objective
• response options within specified legal and strategic limits
• review of response strategies and adjustments made according to changing circumstances
• warnings and clear directions to be given to person/s
• stress management techniques
• timely reactions in the application and the termination of force

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• apply use of force principles
• effectively apply defensive techniques appropriate for the situation
• manage own stress and aggression
• select response options within specified legal and strategic requirements
• work under duress
• quickly assess situations and readjust or discontinue the response as determined by unexpected changes in circumstances

Assessment must also confirm that the correct grip and handling of batons and hand restraints will ensure retention and continued control. All control techniques must ensure continued protection of self and others and efficient completion of the movement.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of simulated activities.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed an actual workplace or in a simulated environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• soft fall area
• training batons
• simulated work environment

Method of assessment 

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

• direct observation
• interviewing the candidate
• journals and workplace documentation
• third party reports from supervisors
• written or oral questions

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.

Equipment  may include:

• baton
• boarding party ladders and associated equipment
• communication equipment
• extendable
• fire fighting and damage control equipment
• first aid equipment
• flexible
• hand restraints
• jerry cans (water)
• linking
• purpose designed
• rigid
• security chain link
• side handle
• straight

Techniques  may include:

• avoidance
• blocking
• impact
• locking
• redirecting
• take down

Policy, guidelines and legal requirements  may include:

• applicable crimes acts/codes
• applicable organisational policy and procedures
• international law (customs, fisheries, maritime)
• relevant commonwealth/state/territory legislation

Risk factors  may include:

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

Opportunities  may include:

• access to weapons
• distractions
• lapses in concentration
• opportunities for escape
• presence of support

Person’s intentions  may include:

• aggression
• pursuit of conflict
• submission
• withdrawal

Alternative actions  may include:

• request for assistance
• tactical withdrawal
• use of firearm
• use of negotiation techniques

Effects of stress  may include:

• frustration
• inability to concentrate
• increasing aggression
• over talking
• tiredness
• uncoordinated movement

Stress management techniques  may include:

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