Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to handle and maintain dogs used for security assignments. It includes both the skills required to handle security dogs as well as the knowledge of where, when and how these skills are used.

This unit may form part of the licensing requirements for persons engaged in the handling of dogs in security operations in those states and territories where these are regulated activities.

Application of the unit 

This unit of competency has application in the security industry in those roles the handling of guard dogs. Competency requires legal and operational knowledge applicable to relevant sectors of the security industry. The knowledge and skills described in this unit are to be applied within relevant legislative and organisational guidelines.

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Prepare for dog patrol .

1.1 Applicable provisions of legislative  and organisational requirements  relevant to handling guard dogs are identified and complied with.

1.2 Patrol tasks  and other relevant assignment instructions  are obtained and verified with relevant persons .

1.3 Suitability  and standard of efficiency of dog is confirmed appropriate to meet assignment instructions.

1.4 Dog's health, hygiene and stability is confirmed, maintained and monitored.

1.5 Signs of poor health and condition or abnormal behaviour are recognised and promptly reported for remedial action.

2 Conduct dog patrol .

2.1 Dog patrol  is conducted in accordance with assignment instructions.

2.2 Dog is managed in a manner which provides minimal risk of injury to the dog, the public, and the handler.

2.3 Dog's operating efficiency is maintained and monitored in accordance with animal welfare requirements.

2.4 Injuries to persons or dog are attended to promptly in accordance with organisational procedures.

3 Respond to incidents .

3.1 Incidents  are identified and assessed for degree of risk to persons, property and premises.

3.2 Situations  requiring use of the dog as a security measure are assessed and appropriate response determined.

3.3 Response is adjusted or discontinued in accordance with changing circumstances and personal safety needs .

3.4 Relevant documentation  is completed and securely maintained in accordance with organisational procedures.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• communicate effectively with people from different social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and of varying physical and mental abilities
• communicate in a clear and concise manner
• comply with applicable licensing or registration requirements
• conduct an inspection (baggage, vehicles, property) using dogs
• document information and maintain records
• estimate and calculate resource and equipment requirements
• handle a dog weighing a minimum of 40kgs using safe handling procedures
• identify security risk incidents and respond appropriately using dogs
• make and implement decisions relating to use of dog
• minimise threat to self, dog and others during conduct of security tasks
• observe and monitor dog's health, hygiene and stability and recognise health and welfare abnormalities
• provide appropriate nutritional requirements
• use standard dog commands.

Required knowledge 

• animal health and welfare guidelines
• areas of security operations using dogs
• breeds, drives and behaviours of canines suitable to security work
• canine health and nutritional requirements
• canine infectious and contagious diseases and symptoms
• canine security roles and functions
• capabilities and limitations of a trained dog
• challenge release and arrest procedures for apprehending intruders
• defensive tactics for use with and without dogs
• documentation requirements and procedures
• kennel management including routine and emergency treatment of sick or injured dogs
• licensing and registration requirements in relation to the handling, use and ownership of dogs
• limitations of dog training for security assignments
• maintenance of dog handling equipment
• premises and property security requirements including search and confiscation procedures
• principles of continuation training
• requirements for use of muzzles
• risks and hazards associated with training with, caring for and using dogs and appropriate control measures
• safe animal handling methods and techniques.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

• applying general safety procedures when handling a dog, both leashed and unleashed, in a security working environment
• applying the correct challenge release and arrest procedures for apprehending intruders
• complying with relevant legislation, licensing and documentation requirements for handling a dog in the conduct of security functions
• managing the health and hygiene of a dog including detecting signs of ill health or abnormal behaviour
• maximising the safety and protection of persons and dog while carrying out patrol and response activities
• responding appropriately to rapidly changing circumstances while handling a dog.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment includes:

• a setting in the workplace or environment that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range statement.

Resource implications for assessment include:

• access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures
• access to a registered provider of assessment services
• access to a suitable venue and equipment
• assessment instruments including personal planner and assessment record book
• work schedules, organisational policies and duty statements.

Reasonable adjustments must be made to assessment processes where required for people with disabilities. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment 

This unit of competency could be assessed using the following methods of assessment:

• observation of processes and procedures
• questioning of underpinning knowledge and skills.

Guidance information for assessment 

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and suitable to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the competency being assessed. In all cases where practical assessment is used, it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

Oral questioning or written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a choice between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Legislative requirements may relate to :

• animal welfare
• apprehension and powers of arrest
• counter-terrorism
• crowd control and control of persons under the influence of intoxicating substances
• force continuum, use of force guidelines
• general 'duty of care' responsibilities
• inspection of people and property, and search and seizure of goods
• licensing or certification requirements
• privacy and confidentiality
• relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation, codes and national standards for:

• anti-discrimination
• cultural and ethnic diversity
• environmental issues
• equal employment opportunity
• industrial relations
• Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

• relevant industry codes of practice
• trespass and the removal of persons.

Organisational requirements may relate to :

• access and equity policies, principles and practices
• business and performance plans
• client service standards
• code of conduct, code of ethics
• communication and reporting procedures
• complaint and dispute resolution procedures
• emergency and evacuation procedures
• employer and employee rights and responsibilities
• OHS policies, procedures and programs
• own role, responsibility and authority
• personal and professional development
• privacy and confidentiality of information
• quality assurance and continuous improvement processes and standards
• resource parameters and procedures
• roles, functions and responsibilities of security personnel
• storage and disposal of information
• use of dogs for security functions.

Patrol tasks may include :

• alarm responses
• area denial
• crowd control
• escort
• external inspections
• incident responses
• internal or external site patrols
• location of intruders.
• mobile or static patrols
• observation
• route finding and location identification
• scent detection.

Assignment instructions  may include:

• assignment purpose and objective
• assignment tasks and procedures
• assignment timeframe
• client information
• dog transportation arrangements
• dog's feed, water and rest requirements
• incident and security risk response procedures
• reporting and documentation requirements
• resource and equipment requirements
• route, departure and arrival details
• schedules
• site layout including access points.

Relevant persons may include :

• animal welfare officers
• canine breeders or trainers
• clients
• colleagues
• supervisor
• veterinarians.

Suitability may relate to :

• breed, drives and behaviours of dogs suitable to security work
• compatibility with dog handler (security officer)
• designated security tasks
• relevant licensing and registration requirements
• temperament and attitude
• training certification requirements.

Dog patrols may include :

• patrol of buildings, sites and crowds
• search of buildings.

Incidents may relate to :

• conflicts between members of the public
• demonstrations
• fire
• persons suffering from emotional or physical distress
• persons under the influence of intoxicating substances
• persons with criminal intent
• persons, vehicles and packages in unsuitable locations
• physical threats
• security breaches
• terrorism
• violence.

Situations may include :

• assisting with an arrest
• foot and motor patrols
• search of persons and baggage
• search of property and premises.

Personal safety needs may involve :

• access to appropriate vehicle
• access to specific security equipment
• clarification of own role and responsibilities
• provision of back-up support
• provision of personal protective equipment.

Documentation may relate to :

• dog health
• dog training log book
• incident reports
• logs, journals and activity reports
• security notebook
• vehicle and personnel movements
• written and computer reports.

Unit sector 

Security

Competency field 

Operations