Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

CSCSAS303A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Conduct searches

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency CSCSAS303A - Conduct searches
Description This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to conduct searches of property and people to detect or prevent breaches of security, orders and safety.This unit replaces CSCSAS012A Conduct searches.
Employability Skills The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of employability skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged, will assist in identifying employability skills requirements.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for 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.Customisation will be required to accommodate the different work sites and defined work role contexts in which this unit will be applied.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable Not applicable
Competency Field Not applicable
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Search environment and property.
  • Define the search operation and task information and communicate this to relevant people.
  • Use communication strategies to promote cooperation and effective search outcomes.
  • Establish the security of the environment and property according to search procedures and safety considerations.
  • Identify and use correct search equipment according to organisational procedures.
  • Conduct search according to standard operating procedures to ensure thorough and systematic process is used.
  • Seize and record unauthorised items and secure these according to procedures.
  • Return authorised items in the condition found.
  • Complete reports promptly, accurately and in the required format.
       
Element: Search people.
  • Monitor offenders and their contacts to detect unauthorised concealment.
  • Inform relevant people of the purpose and procedures to be used in searches clearly and accurately.
  • Ensure searching of people complies with organisationalpolicies and procedures and principles of humane care.
  • Secure unauthorised items according to procedures and concern for the safety and welfare of all involved.
  • Provide clear, accurate and comprehensive information to relevant people.
       


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.

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 and/or 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 and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

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

third-party 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.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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 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:

organisation's policies, procedures and legal requirements relating to conducting searches of environment, property and people

organisation's 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.

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.

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
Define the search operation and task information and communicate this to relevant people. 
Use communication strategies to promote cooperation and effective search outcomes. 
Establish the security of the environment and property according to search procedures and safety considerations. 
Identify and use correct search equipment according to organisational procedures. 
Conduct search according to standard operating procedures to ensure thorough and systematic process is used. 
Seize and record unauthorised items and secure these according to procedures. 
Return authorised items in the condition found. 
Complete reports promptly, accurately and in the required format. 
Monitor offenders and their contacts to detect unauthorised concealment. 
Inform relevant people of the purpose and procedures to be used in searches clearly and accurately. 
Ensure searching of people complies with organisationalpolicies and procedures and principles of humane care. 
Secure unauthorised items according to procedures and concern for the safety and welfare of all involved. 
Provide clear, accurate and comprehensive information to relevant people. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CSCSAS303A - Conduct searches
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

CSCSAS303A - Conduct searches

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: