Application
This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to restrain persons using handcuffs.
It includes:
identifying and assessing the need to use handcuffs, confirming personal safety needs including personal protective equipment (PPE) and monitoring and observing the subject to approach allowing a safe defensive distance
applying handcuffs using appropriate pressure, checking that they are locked and can be unlocked, and minimising physical contact and humiliation or indignity that may be suffered by the subject
using communication to give directions and warnings, and removing handcuffs in a manner that maintains control of the subject.
It applies to people working independently or under limited supervision as members of a security team.
This unit may form part of the licensing requirements for people engaged in security operations in those states and territories where these are regulated activities.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe what needs to be done to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to use handcuffs. | 1.1 Review workplace procedures and policies including WHS to ensure compliance with legal rights and responsibilities when using handcuffs for security work. 1.2 Check handcuffs to ensure correct operation and report malfunctions. 1.3 Select and use PPE to meet WHS requirements. |
2. Assess need to use handcuffs | 2.1 Assess need to use handcuffs against known information and potential and existing risks and threats. 2.2 Monitor and observe movement and actions of subject and use approach that allows a safe defensive distance. 2.3 Adjust response to minimise force and prevent continued aggressive behaviour. |
3. Apply handcuffs with sensitivity to subject’s needs. | 3.1 Use interpersonal techniques to exchange information with the subject, negotiate to defuse conflict and aggression, and warn of intention to use handcuffs. 3.2 Identify situations requiring assistance and use communication equipment to seek support from relevant persons. 3.3 Apply handcuffs using appropriate pressure, and minimising physical contact, and humiliation or indignity suffered by the subject. 3.4 Check that handcuffs are secure after application, and can be removed in the event of an emergency. |
4. Direct and detain subject. | 4.1 Direct subject to a seated or standing position that maximises control and opportunities for detention, and ensures their wellbeing. 4.2 Monitor subject to ensure their safety and wellbeing, and ascertain their intention to comply with instructions. 4.3 Give clear and succinct spoken warnings and directions to indicate intention to remove handcuffs, and maintain control of detained subject. |
5. Finalise and evaluate response. | 5.1 Review and evaluate effectiveness of response using handcuffs against incident circumstances and observations, in consultation with relevant persons. 5.2 Identify improvements to future security response procedures where subjects are restrained using handcuffs. 5.3 Inspect condition of handcuffs and report identified faults. 5.4 Complete and securely maintain workplace documentation in accordance with workplace requirements. 5.5 Recognise effects of stress and manage own well-being using stress management techniques. |
Foundation Skills
This section describes the language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills essential to performance in this unit but not explicit in the performance criteria:
language skills to provide information or advice in a form that is preferred and understood by the receiver and engages minority groups
writing skills to record and describe incident observations and actions taken
reading skills to interpret workplace procedures and policies that clarify legal rights and responsibilities
speaking and listening skills to:
use questions and active listening to exchange and understand information with subject and monitor their compliance
control tone of voice when negotiating with the subject
give clear and succinct spoken warnings and directions when negotiating with the subject
use communication equipment to give clear and sequenced information when reporting incident details
numeracy skills to estimate distance when adopting stance and tactical positioning
problem solving skills to:
formulate response options to match nature of risk
apply handcuffs with sensitivity to the subject’s physical needs
recognise situations requiring the need to call emergency services
teamwork skills to adjust personal communication styles in response to the opinions, values and needs of others.
Sectors
Security operations