Release 1.0

This unit was released in CSC Correctional Services Training Package release 2.0.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to search the environment, property and people to detect breaches of security, orders and safety.

This unit applies to individuals working in detention centres, correctional centres and prisons and on work sites or in accommodation or activities where offenders are under statutory supervision requiring the prohibition of specific substances and objects.

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 searches.

Statutory/legislative requirements apply to this unit and may vary across states and territories. Users are required to check with the relevant jurisdiction for current requirements.

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  

Search environment and property 

1.1 

Define the search operation and task information and communicate this to relevant people

1.2 

Use communication strategies to effectively convey search orders and procedures to ensure cooperation between search team members

1.3 

Establish the security of the environment and property in accordance with search procedures and safety considerations

1.4 

Identify and use the appropriate search equipment for the operation

1.5 

Conduct search in accordance with standard operating procedures

1.6 

Seize, record and secure unauthorised items in accordance with workplace policies and procedures and concern for the safety and welfare of all involved

1.7 

Return authorised items in the condition found

1.8 

Complete reports promptly, accurately and in the required format

2 

Search people 

2.1 

Monitor offenders and their contacts to detect unauthorised concealment

2.2 

Inform relevant people of the purpose and procedures to be used in searches

2.3 

Ensure searching of people complies with workplace policies and procedures and principles of humane care

2.4 

Seize, record and secure unauthorised items in accordance with workplace policies and procedures and concern for the safety and welfare of all involved

2.5 

Provide clear, accurate and comprehensive information to relevant people

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 Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This unit supersedes and is equivalent to CSCSAS010 Conduct searches.

Release 1.0.

This unit was released in CSC Correctional Services Training Package release 2.0.

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 includes:

• searching environment or property

• using safe, thorough and systematic search techniques and required search equipment
• removing, recording and securing unauthorised items safely
• accurately documenting and reporting outcomes of search procedures
• defining and providing clear and respectful communication about search purpose and process to all people involved

• searching people

• using safe, thorough and systematic search techniques and required search equipment
• removing, recording and securing unauthorised items safely
• accurately documenting and reporting outcomes of search procedures
• defining and providing clear and respectful communication about search purpose and process to all people involved

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:

• workplace policies and procedures and legal requirements related to conducting searches of environment, property and people including:

• task information including:

• powers to search
• purpose and objectives
• areas and type of search
• authorised people who can be searched
• cultural and gender considerations
• health and safety considerations
• reporting requirements
• awareness of trauma responses and relevant offender information including:

• age
• cognitive impairment
• religious, gender identity and sexual orientation considerations

• correct use of search equipment including:

• machinery and appliances
• personal protective equipment
• seizure containers
• cameras and video
• handheld metal detector wands and mirrors

• workplace policies, procedures and legal requirements related to identification and confiscation of unauthorised and illegal objects and substances including:

• prohibited, restricted and unauthorised material
• handling, security, storage and recording of unauthorised material

• effective search techniques including:

• systematic approach
• methods and areas of concealment
• environment
• vehicle
• property
• people

• workplace work health and safety policies and procedures related to hazards associated with searches including:

• personal protective equipment
• hazard identification and reporting
• safe manual handling
• sharps disposal
• infection control

• communication principles relevant to promoting cooperation, cultural considerations related to conducting searches
• evidence protection, chain of evidence and secure handling
• conduct for individuals conducting searches, including duty of care and principles of humane care

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 suitable workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in suitable simulated workplace operational situations reflecting actual industry 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:

• relevant and appropriate materials, tools, facilities, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in the industry
• applicable documentation relevant to the industry including workplace policies, procedures, industry standards, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
• case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered.