Assessor Resource

DEFBM004C
Defend persons using firearms

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This competency typically applies to a Naval Defence environment and was developed for boatswains mates but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Tasks are carried out at sea in a range of conditions that would typically apply to a lengthy operation.

This unit covers the competency required to evaluate the requirements and to deploy firearms effectively to protect persons in an operation situation, minimising risk to self and others.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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 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

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Weapon is drawn and proven. 
Weapon is inspected by supervisor. 
Ammunition is issued. 
Operational brief is attended. 
Need to use firearms is evaluated against use of force guidelines, legal requirements and organisational policy and procedures. 
Risk factors and opportunities are escalated and/or de-escalated to determine person's intentions. 
Capacity to complete action effectively is considered prior to commencement and alternative actions are assessed for viability. 
Situations requiring assistance are identified and support is promptly requested. 
Firearm carriage is secured, protected, made accessible and legal requirements, organisational policy and procedures are complied with. 
Tactical positioning consistent with the assessment of person's intentions and anticipated range of possible actions is maintained. 
Weapons are maintained in accordance with Organisational procedures and policy. 
Judgements on the use of firearms are justified in terms of use of force guidelines, legal requirements and organisational policy. 
Ammunition is selected appropriate to firearm and manufactures' specifications, legal requirements and organisational policy are complied with. 
Protective equipment is selected according to the requirements of the situation and is used in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Discharge of firearm is sufficient only to stop the progress of life threatening situations. 
Response is adjusted or discontinued with changing circumstances in accordance with use of force guidelines. 
Resolution and isolation of threat are confirmed by constantly monitoring person's positions and behaviour. 
Actions to detain person/s are undertaken within the limits of legal requirements and organisational policy and procedures. 
Situations requiring assistance are identified and support is promptly requested. 
Persons injured by firearms discharge are monitored and provided with adequate after care. 
Effectiveness of response is evaluated and reviewed in accordance with legal requirement and organisational policy and procedures. 
Accurate and constructive observations of incidents are provided in reviewing and debriefing the situation. 
System, records and reporting procedures are maintained in accordance with organisational procedures and policy. 
Effects of stress on self are recognised and managed using recognised stress management techniques. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

DEFBM004C - Defend persons using firearms
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

DEFBM004C - Defend persons using firearms

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: