Application
This unit describes the skills required to assess the need to use firearms, handle and discharge firearms and evaluate responses post-incident.
This unit applies to those working with offenders in prisons and secure custodial centres. With changes based on different organisation’s needs, it can apply to specialist emergency units, escort services, specialist roles and to workers in the community where this function is part of the work 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 discharge of firearms.
Those undertaking this unit work independently as part of a coordinated team. The role requires strong communication and decision making 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. Assess the need to use firearms | 1.1 Analyse incident to assess the need for the use of firearms against the degree and nature of risk to people, the organisation’s use of force guidelines, and emergency response procedures. 1.2 Anticipate risk, based on assessment of information available, observation of the hazards in the situation and likely consequences of events. 1.3 Assess and select options for action on the basis of capacity to complete the actions and suitability of response to the degree of risk. 1.4 Identify situations requiring assistance and request support promptly. |
2. Handle and discharge firearms | 2.1 Carry firearms in a secure, protected and accessible manner that complies with legal requirements and organisation procedures. 2.2 Employ tactical positioning that is consistent with assessment of intentions and risks and anticipates a range of different actions. 2.3 Make judgements about the use of firearms according to use of force guidelines and legal requirements. 2.4 Select ammunition appropriate to firearm that complies with manufacturer specifications and legal requirements. 2.5 Select personal protective equipment according to the requirements of the situation and use it according to organisational procedures. 2.6 Check that grip, handling and presentation of firearms comply with legal requirements and ensure retention and continued control. 2.7 Discharge firearms where necessary according to legislation and organisational policy and procedures. 2.8 Maintain consistency of accuracy in the discharge of firearms as defined by organisational standards and procedures. |
3. Evaluate response | 3.1 Evaluate and review effectiveness of responses according to information, observation and outcomes of events. 3.2 Provide accurate and constructive observations of incidents in review and debriefing of incidents. 3.3 Complete records and reports that comply with the organisation’s procedures. 3.4 Recognise and manage the effects of stress, using stress management techniques. |
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.
interpreting and complying with legal and procedural requirements related to the use of firearms, tactical response and defensive techniques
estimating levels of conflict and degree of risk
using firearms in a manner that minimises harm and injury
applying timely reactions in the use and termination of force
providing clear verbal warnings, directions and information
using appropriate self-defence techniques
using appropriate avoidance techniques
establishing containment and isolation according to situation
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 use of firearms
code of conduct
duty of care
available firearms and ammunition
response options that are most effective for the degree and nature of risk
communication techniques
stress management techniques
risk factors and their impact on incidents and situations
safe and controlled handling of firearms
safe and correct use of ammunition
safe and appropriate use of tactical positions
Assessment Conditions
Evidence for assessment must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments. Assessment may require demonstration, where required by work role and responsibilities, of the range of firearms used and issued by organisation.
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 by an individual responsible for the use of firearms as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine.
This unit has been identified by industry as suitable for holistic assessment with:
CSCSAS005 Contain incidents that jeopardise safety and security
CSCSAS009 Control incidents using defensive tactics
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