Unit of competency details

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TP version 

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DEF12 V2

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1

DEF12 V1

First release on TGA.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Perform pre operational firearm checks 

1.1 Weapon  is drawn and proven.

1.2 Weapon is inspected by supervisor.

1.3 Ammunition is issued.

1.4 Operational brief is attended.

2. Assess the need to use firearms 

2.1 Need to use firearms is evaluated against use of force guidelines, legal requirements  and organisational policy and procedures.

2.2 Risk factors  and opportunities  are escalated and/or de-escalated to determine person's intentions. 

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

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

3. Use firearms 

3.1 Firearm carriage is secured, protected, made accessible and legal requirements, organisational policy and procedures are complied with.

3.2 Tactical positioning  consistent with the assessment of person's intentions and anticipated range of possible actions is maintained.

3.3 Weapons are maintained  in accordance with Organisational procedures and policy.

3.4 Judgements  on the use of firearms are justified in terms of use of force guidelines, legal requirements and organisational policy.

3.5 Ammunition  is selected appropriate to firearm and manufactures' specifications, legal requirements and organisational policy are complied with.

3.6 Protective equipment  is selected according to the requirements of the situation and is used in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

3.7 Discharge of firearm is sufficient only to stop the progress of life threatening situations.

4. Contain incident 

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

4.2 Resolution and isolation of threat are confirmed by constantly monitoring person's positions and behaviour.

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

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

4.5 Persons injured by firearms discharge are monitored and provided with adequate after care.

5. Evaluate response 

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

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

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

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

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

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 and surveillance techniques
• communicate and negotiate under stressful situations
• encourage team members
• follow instructions and report information
• handle and fire weapons accurately
• 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 

• basic problem solving strategies
• body dynamics and the effect of ballistics on the body
• composition of teams and roles and responsibility of team members
• different cultural and social practices
• effective communication and negotiation techniques
• first aid
• 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)
• organisational policy and procedures relating to the use of firearms and incident management
• powers and procedures for effecting arrest
• team work principles and strategies

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.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

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

Assessment must also confirm the ability to comply with legal requirements and organisational procedures, and ensure retention and continued control.

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 in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• suitable range or weapons practice facility and close quarters battle environment
• access to applicable weapons, ammunition, night fighting equipment and protective equipment

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.

Weapons  may include:

• automatic
• night fighting equipment
• pistols
• semi-automatics
• shotguns

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
• death/serious personal injury
• nature of the incident
• observation of the environment and physical conditions
• people involved in the incident
• potential and triggers for escalation or de-escalation
• 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 baton
• use of empty hand technique
• use of handcuffs
• use of negotiation techniques

Tactical positioning  may include:

• access to cover
• capacity to reload
• capacity to withdraw or arrest subject
• safety of others
• stance

Maintaining weapons  may include:

• cleaning
• miss fire
• pre and post firing

Judgements should include 

• amount of ammunition issued and discharged
• assessment of physical conditions
• decision to reload
• deployment of weapon
• discharging firearms
• requirements of organisational authorisation of persons
• safety of others
• safety of self
• withdrawal of weapon

Ammunition  may include:

• ammunition specified in legal and licensing requirements
• factory loaded
• manufacturer’s specified ammunition

Protective equipment  may include:

• boarding party jacket
• combat clothing
• ear plugs/defenders
• flak jacket/body armour
• goggles
• gloves
• helmet

Effects of stress  may include:

• death or serious injury
• 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
• post operational briefs
• review of practice and resources