CSCSAS012
Supervise attendance at court


Application

This unit describes the skills required to process reception at court, maintain the safety and security of persons in custody and the public and comply with court requirements.

This unit applies to those working in justice agencies where individuals are held for court appearances. The performance of this unit includes both supervision as part of custodial care duties, community corrections roles and dedicated contract work.

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 court operations.

Those undertaking this unit consistently work independently with support from a team. The role requires communication, organisation and observation skills.

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. Process reception at court

1.1 Consult reliable and authorised sources of information about individuals to confirm identification and the requirements and conditions of attendance at court.

1.2 Provide information about the court process and conditions to persons in custody in a communication style that helps understanding and promotes cooperation.

1.3 Use a range of communication strategies to determine risk indicators or special needs of the person in custody.

1.4 Search persons in custody according to security requirements and procedures.

1.5 Check and store property of persons in custody according to files and procedures.

1.6 Document, record and report information required by the reception process according to security procedures, court protocol and the information management system.

2. Maintain safety and security of persons in custody and the public

2.1 Organise the accommodation of persons in custody on court premises according to court practice, degree of risk and the facilities available.

2.2 Supervise escorts and movements of persons in custody according to individual’s information, procedures and court protocol.

2.3 Provide information to persons in custody to help their understanding of, and agreement to, the requirements and conditions of court attendance and the consequences of their behaviour.

2.4 Use security equipment according to procedures, court protocol and the assessment of risk.

2.5 Monitor the behaviour and reactions of persons in custody using a range of observation and communication techniques.

2.6 Respond to unacceptable behaviour promptly to minimise adverse or harmful consequences using methods appropriate for the degree of risk and according to court protocol.

3. Comply with court requirements

3.1 Identify and verify details of the court requirements, protocols, building layout and special conditions.

3.2 Establish communication and liaise with court personnel and key people in the court system.

3.3 Establish communication with legal representatives and coordinate their contact with their clients.

3.4 Complete reports required by procedures and the offender information system clearly, objectively and accurately.

3.5 Respond to magistrates/judges' requests and instructions promptly and accurately and provide clear, accurate and relevant information.

3.6 Check, confirm and provide documentation and evidence required by the court in the designated format.

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 communication to manage behaviour and cooperation of persons in custody

using a range of communication strategies

checking and storing the property of persons in custody according to regulations and procedures

processing information that is needed for the reception process according to justice procedures, court protocol and processes, and the information management system

completing reports clearly and accurately


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 supervision and management of persons in custody specific to the court environment

duty of care

communication techniques

available security equipment


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 supervising attendance at court, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine.

This unit has been identified by industry as suitable for holistic assessment with:

CSCORG002 Communicate effectively

Refer to advice in the CSC Assessment Guide.

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 Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.


Competency Field

Safety and security