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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Search environment and property.
  2. Search people.

Required Skills

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

Required skills

using safe thorough and systematic search techniques

using search equipment for the purpose and in the manner intended and authorised

identifying all prohibited objects and substances

identifying all possible concealment areas

using ethical and humane interactions with all people involved in searches

using information that is accurate clear and readily understood

handling and protecting evidence

recording and reporting outcomes of search procedures

Required knowledge

organisations policies procedures and legal requirements relating to conducting searches of environment property and people

organisations policies procedures and legal requirements relating to identification and confiscation of unauthorised and illegal objects and substances

effective search techniques

occupational health and safety policies relevant to hazards associated with searches

communication principles relevant to promoting cooperation and understanding cultural impact and dealing with conflict

evidence protection chain of evidence and secure handling

code of conduct

principles of duty of care and humane treatment

Evidence Required

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

Overview of assessment

Assessment of this unit can be applied using a combination of training outcomes and performance in the workplace with the principal evidence developed through performance in routine work functions in the workplace

Evidence needs to be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome andor apply the principles in a different situation or change of environment Where this unit specifies performance in areas with unpredictable and risk implications assessment in simulations should be used as well as retrospective documentation and observation of performance working with high risk offenders and in a range of different environments where searches occur

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

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria look for evidence that confirms

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of employability skills as they relate to this unit

ability to conduct searches in a range of two or more contexts or occasions over time

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Valid assessment of this unit requires

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when conducting searches including coping with difficulties irregularities and breakdowns in routine

copies of legislation policies procedures and guidelines relating to conducting searches

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

Method of assessment

Evidence must include observation and information generated in the workplace as well as observation of performance in routine work functions or where this is not possible in a simulated exercise to confirm the transferability of the competencies

The following assessment methods are suggested

observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations

written andor oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities

thirdparty reports from experienced practitioners

completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues

scenarios

simulations or role plays

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands and any identified special needs of the candidate including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge


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 in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any 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.

Search operation and task information should include:

confirmation of the powers to search under legislation, policy and procedures

purpose of the search

area to be searched

specified objectives

types of search, including:

cell search

vehicle search

mail search

baggage search

area search

environment search

search of individuals

routine or special search of property

search of equipment, machinery and appliances.

Environment and property should include relevant selections from:

accommodation

special locations, such as kitchens, recreational areas, education centres and work areas

personal possessions

external locations

deliveries

grounds

equipment, machinery and appliances

inside and outside the correctional facility.

Search equipment may include:

gloves

personal protective clothing and equipment

probes

mirrors

cameras and video cameras

x-ray

restraint equipment

detector dogs

authorised evidence containers

sample containers.

Thorough and systematic process means the search includes:

systematic approach, for example starting at one point and searching in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction

consideration of all methods of concealment

consideration of contents in light of information or grounds for the search

consideration of the potential for items to be used for escape or intelligence.

Searching of people should include:

offenders

visitors

public

colleagues

support staff

high risk offenders

offenders from different cultural backgrounds

in locations outside the correctional facility.

Organisationalpolicies and procedures should include references to:

authorisation to search

prohibited, restricted and unauthorised material

requirements for strip searches, including gender restrictions, location, etc.

handling, security and storage of unauthorised property

incident recording and reporting

requirements for searching visitors

occupational health and safety policies

code of conduct

principles of duty of care and humane care.