Application
This unit describes the skills required to search the environment, property and people to detect breaches of security, orders and safety.
This unit applies to those 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.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to searching property and people.
Those undertaking this unit generally work independently, drawing upon support from familiar resources.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Search environment and property | 1.1 Define the search operation and task information and communicate this to relevant people. 1.2 Use communication strategies to promote cooperation and effective search outcomes. 1.3 Establish the security of the environment and property according to search procedures and safety considerations. 1.4 Identify and use correct search equipment. 1.5 Conduct search according to standard operating procedures. 1.6 Seize and record unauthorised items and secure these according to procedures. 1.7 Return authorised items in the condition found. 1.8 Complete reports promptly, accurately and in the required format. |
2. Search people | 2.1 Monitor offenders and their contacts to detect unauthorised concealment. 2.2 Inform relevant people of the purpose and procedures to be used in searches. 2.3 Ensure searching of people complies with organisational policies and procedures and principles of humane care. 2.4 Secure unauthorised items according to procedures and concern for the safety and welfare of all involved. 2.5 Provide clear, accurate and comprehensive information to relevant people. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least two occasions.
using safe, thorough and systematic search techniques
documenting and reporting outcomes of search procedures
providing clear and respectful communication to people about search purpose and process
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
organisation’s policies, procedures and legal requirements related to conducting searches of environment, property and people
organisation’s policies, procedures and legal requirements related to identification and confiscation of unauthorised and illegal objects and substances
effective search techniques
work health and safety policies related to hazards associated with searches
communication principles relevant to promoting cooperation, cultural considerations related to conducting searches
evidence protection, chain of evidence and secure handling
code of conduct
duty of care
prohibited objects and substances
possible concealment areas
Assessment Conditions
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.
This unit has been identified by industry as suitable for holistic assessment with:
CSCSAS001 Maintain security
PUALAW001B Protect and preserve an incident scene
Refer to advice in the
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
ACSF levels indicative of performance:
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the
Competency Field
Safety and security