Application
This unit describes the skills required to conduct take-over security checks, monitor the safety of staff, coordinate responses to alarm signals and monitor security operations.
This unit applies to those working in detention centres, correctional centres and prisons where operational activities and responses to security situations are monitored from a control room. Working as part of a coordinated team is integral to the role.
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 control room operations.
Those undertaking this unit work generally 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. Conduct take-over security checks | 1.1 Check and clarify occurrences, shift change-over details and other relevant information. 1.2 Carry out control room and security equipment checks. 1.3 Identify and record potential risks, hazards and faults or defects. 1.4 Conduct radio checks with duty staff. |
2. Monitor safety of staff | 2.1 Monitor staff movements to ensure regular contact with control room is maintained. 2.2 Identify and respond to failures to communicate with control room. 2.3 Identify situations requiring back-up support and allocate resources to assist staff. |
3. Coordinate responses to alarm signals | 3.1 Interpret alarms and coordinate appropriate response. 3.2 Confirm the availability of response staff and dispatch responding officers according to the nature and urgency of alarms. 3.3 Provide responding officers with full, accurate and timely information to allow maximum effectiveness when attending the scene. 3.4 Monitor response officers’ attendance at scene of alarm, determine the need for specialist response team and back-up resources, and deploy them according to the emergency. |
4. Monitor security operations | 4.1 Monitor compliance with standard operating procedures and check and notify relevant people of any variations. 4.2 Manage faults and inconsistencies. 4.3 Communicate with equipment operators and staff using approved communication methods. 4.4 Complete all required documentation clearly, concisely and on time. 4.5 Pass on end of shift information to oncoming staff. |
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 a range of communication equipment and information sources accurately while under pressure
maintaining accurate records and documentation
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 and procedures related to control room security requirements, security management and emergency response
organisation’s contingency plans
emergency codes and alarms
staff roles, responsibility and delegation in emergency situations
work health and safety policies relevant to monitoring the safety and security of staff and responding to alarms
specifications and procedures for use of specialist monitoring, communication and security equipment
code of conduct
duty of care
Assessment Conditions
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 monitoring control room operations, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine.
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 applied in a correctional or justice environment.
Because of the unpredictable nature of actual incidents, candidates should be prepared to carefully document their performance after each monitoring and response experience as evidence for assessment.
This unit has been identified by industry as suitable for holistic assessment with:
CSCORG002 Communicate effectively
CSCORG003 Prepare reports
CSCSAS008 Maintain security system
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