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

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Undertake patrols 

1.1 Patrol  objectives are identified and confirmed

1.2 Potential threats or incidents are identified and plan of action is formulated in accordance with organisational procedures

1.3 Equipment is prepared and checked for serviceability in accordance with organisational requirements and manufacturer's instructions

1.4 Personal dress and presentation are checked in accordance with organisational requirements

1.5 Patrol is carried out in accordance with patrol objectives and organisational procedures

1.6 Personal security and safety is maintained in accordance with organisational requirements

1.7 Security breaches are detected and actioned in accordance with organisational procedures

1.8 High visibility presence/deterrence is provided in accordance with organisational requirements

2. Respond to incident 

2.1 Potential threats or incidents are identified and responded to in accordance with organisational procedures

2.2 Information about the incident  is received, gathered confirmed and communicated

2.3 First response is planned and implemented with roles and responsibilities clearly identified

2.4 Response to incident is carried out by the most effective route

2.5 Incident risks and hazards are identified and assessed to maximise officer and public safety

2.6 Safe areas are identified and established

2.7 Effective first response command and control is exercised and further assistance is requested where incident cannot be resolved by attending parties

2.8 Area concerned is evacuated, cordoned and contained in accordance with operating procedures

3. Conduct searches 

3.1 Decision to search  is made and conducted with due regard to lawful authority and/or client requirements and organisational procedures

3.2 Methodological search process is undertaken in accordance with operational and occupational health and safety (OH&S) policies and procedures

3.3 Item/s found are either contained, seized, recorded or stored in accordance with organisational policies and legislative requirements

3.4 Any damage and/or injuries incurred are accurately documented as per organisational policy

4. Caution, report or arrest persons 

4.1 Breaches of the law  are identified in accordance with relevant jurisdictional law, policies and procedures

4.2 Personal discretion is used to caution, report or arrest and actions taken are explained to the person/s concerned in accordance with organisational guidelines and professional codes of conduct

4.3 Person/s are released from custody when criteria that formed the basis for the arrest no longer exists

4.4 Person/s held in custody are transferred to relevant jurisdiction in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

5. Carry out post incident actions 

5.1 Notebook entries are recorded to document all actions and observations

5.2 Reports  are completed and submitted to relevant personnel in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

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

Required Skills 

• apply tactical awareness techniques and strategies
• assess risk in handling incidents
• communicate effectively to manage incidents and to provide situation reports by:
• speaking clearly and concisely in public
• using radio communication
• communicating in writing
• direct and control traffic
• follow duty of care towards persons in custody
• implement first response command and control procedures
• implement situational awareness processes and procedures
• make and report on, observations
• patrol
• search
• solve problems and make decisions
• use defensive tactics
• work in a team

Required Knowledge 

• cordon and containment principles
• critical incident roles and responsibilities
• cultural diversity, which encompasses respect for and the accommodation of the culture, language and religion of others
• human behaviour (individual and group) and the impacts of age, gender, ethnicity, social background and recreational practices such as drugs and alcohol
• issues/problems that can arise with persons in custody
• officer safety principles
• organisational policies, procedures and guidelines (such as relevant legislation; operational, corporate and strategic plans; operational performance standards; operational policies and procedures; organisational personnel and occupational health and safety practices and guidelines; organisational quality standards; organisation's approach to environmental management and sustainability)
• potential risks associated with operational protective service roles and responsibilities
• protective service responsibilities contained within the National Counter Terrorism Plan
• search and evacuation procedures
• strategies to optimise safety under a range of operational scenarios
• tactical communication
• traffic direction principles

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:

• communicate effectively with the public and with fellow officers
• present information clearly and accurately in public.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in a simulated environment and/or in the workplace using a wide range of scenarios.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• facilities and locations to conduct patrols, respond to incidents, conduct searches and control traffic.

Method of assessment 

This unit may be assessed with the following unit/s:

• PUAPOLGD001A Maintain police operational safety
• PUAPOLGD005A Use and maintain police operational equipment
• PUAPOLGD011A Manage personal and ethical performance.

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.

Patrols  may be on foot, vehicle, bike and may include:

• Airports
• Embassies, high commissions, consulates and official residences
• Official establishments
• Other government facilities
• Overseas missions
• Other areas as directed by governmental and organisational requirements

Incidents  may include:

• Aircraft crash
• Aircraft hijacking
• Alarms
• Assassination or attempted assassination
• Bomb threats
• Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN)
• Critical infrastructure outage
• Damage to commonwealth property
• Demonstrations
• Domestic altercations
• Hostage takers
• Identified explosive device
• Other terrorist or criminal activity
• Natural disasters (fire, gas leak)
• Post bomb blast
• Suspect items
• Suspect persons
• Suspicious vehicles
• Theft of property
• Traffic accidents or incidents
• Trespassers

Search  may include:

• Aircraft
• Buildings
• Open areas
• Persons
• Property
• Route searches
• Vehicles
• Vessels

Breaches of the law  may include:

• Criminal activity
• Protective service offences
• Unlawful activity

Reports  may include:

• Incident reports
• Information reports
• Log book entries
• Note book entries
• Occurrence reports
• Use of force reports
• Verbal reports