This unit of competency has wide application in the security industry in those roles involving operational activities. Competency requires legal and operational knowledge applicable to relevant sectors of the security industry. The knowledge and skills described in this unit are to be applied within relevant legislative and organisational guidelines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Gather information.

1.1 Applicable provisions of legislative and organisational requirements relevant to assignment instructions are identified and complied with.

1.2 Relevant information is obtained from information sources in accordance with organisational procedures.

1.3 Methods of collecting information are reliable and make efficient use of resources.

1.4 Business equipment and technology is used to source, collect and organise information.

1.5 Workplace safety procedures are identified and complied with in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.

2Check and organise information.

2.1 Gathered information is assessed in terms of validity, reliability and relevance.

2.2 Additional information is sought as required from established sources in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.3 All material is reviewed thoroughly to ensure completeness and accuracy of information.

2.4 Information is prioritised and organised in a logical manner to facilitate analysis and dissemination.

3Present information.

3.1 Draft documentation is prepared and checked to ensure intended meaning is readily understood.

3.2 Draft documentation is forwarded to relevant persons for review.

3.3 Feedback is sought and constructive feedback is identified and integrated into the final document.

3.4 Final documentation is presented within designated timeframes using clear and concise language and meets organisational standards relating to style, format and accuracy.

3.5 Retained material is securely stored and maintained in accordance with organisational procedures.

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

Required skills

accurately record and report information

apply effective communication and negotiation techniques including active listening and questioning

communicate effectively with people from different social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and of varying physical and mental abilities

identify and comply with applicable legal and procedural requirements, including licensing requirements, relevant to surveillance activities

operate business equipment and technology

organise resource and equipment requirements

participate in meetings and interviews

prioritise and complete activities within designed timelines

read, analyse and interpret information

record and document information

solve basic problems

source, collate and organise information

use a range of office equipment and technology

verify validity of information

write standard reports.

Required knowledge

applicable licensing and legal requirements relevant to surveillance operations

applicable licensing requirements

basic research and information gathering methods

documentation processes and storage procedures

information gathering techniques

interviewing processes

observation and monitoring techniques

operational functions of a range of business equipment and technology

principles of effective communication including interpersonal techniques

privacy and confidentiality policies and procedures

questioning techniques to obtain specific information

reliable and verifiable sources of information

report writing formats and styles

reporting and documentation requirements

techniques to verify and validate information.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

complying with applicable legislation and relevant licensing for the preparation and presentation of documentation

researching information and confirming its validity

interpreting and confirming reporting requirements

sourcing, organising and presenting both oral and written information in a suitable format style

receiving, interpreting and relaying verbal and non-verbal information in a concise and accurate manner

using effective communication techniques to give clear and accurate information in a form which is preferred and understood by the receiver and which engages minority groups.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment includes:

a setting in the workplace or environment that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range statement.

Resource implications for assessment include:

access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures

access to a registered provider of assessment services

access to a suitable venue and equipment

assessment instruments including personal planner and assessment record book

work schedules, organisational policies and duty statements.

Reasonable adjustments must be made to assessment processes where required for people with disabilities. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed using the following methods of assessment:

observation of processes and procedures

questioning of underpinning knowledge and skills.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and suitable to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the competency being assessed. In all cases where practical assessment is used, it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

Oral questioning and written assessment should be used to assess underpinning knowledge.

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Legislative requirements may relate to:

apprehension and powers of arrest

Australian standards and quality assurance requirements

counter-terrorism

crowd control and control of persons under the influence of intoxicating substances

force continuum, use of force guidelines

general 'duty of care' responsibilities

inspection of people and property, and search and seizure of goods

licensing or certification requirements

privacy and confidentiality

relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation, codes and national standards for:

anti-discrimination

cultural and ethnic diversity

environmental issues

equal employment opportunity

industrial relations

OHS

relevant industry codes of practice

trespass and the removal of persons.

Organisational requirements may relate to:

access and equity policies, principles and practices

business and performance plans

client service standards

code of conduct, code of ethics

communication and reporting procedures

complaint and dispute resolution procedures

emergency and evacuation procedures

employer and employee rights and responsibilities

OHS policies, procedures and programs

own role, responsibility and authority

personal and professional development

privacy and confidentiality of information

quality assurance and continuous improvement processes and standards

resource parameters and procedures

roles, functions and responsibilities of security personnel

storage and disposal of information.

Assignment instructions may include:

assignment purpose and objective

assignment tasks and procedures

assignment timeframe

investigative activities

licensing compliance requirements

reporting and documentation requirements

requirements for continuous monitoring

resource and equipment requirements.

Information sourcesmay include:

business community

Internet

interviews and meetings

library

records, reports and case notes

security industry and networks

voice recordings

workshops, conferences and seminars.

Business equipment and technology may include:

calculators

facsimile machines

internet

monitoring software

standard commercial computer software and hardware

telephones.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements may relate to:

controlling and minimising risks

correct manual handling including shifting, lifting and carrying

environmental and conservation requirements

ergonomic requirements

first aid

identifying and reporting hazards and risks

knowledge of emergency and evacuation procedures

using and maintaining business equipment.

Relevant personsmay include:

clients

colleagues

security personnel

supervisor.

Unit sector

Security

Operations

This unit contains employability skills.