This unit applies to all people working in detention centres, correctional centres or prisons, community corrections offices, justice administration offices and on work sites where detainees, prisoners or offenders are under statutory supervision. Candidates will not hold statutory responsibility and will be supervised in their work duties.

Not applicable

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Patrol premises.

1.1 Comply with procedures in the frequency and duration of visits to control points and in routine telephone or radio calls to control room.

1.2 Check security equipment for serviceability according to standard operating procedures.

1.3 Identify and report faults and damage to security equipment.

1.4 Monitor and identify risks to security during patrols and report observations according to procedures.

2Monitor security system.

2.1 Set and verify electronic security and protection systems according to operating procedures.

2.2 Report and record system malfunctions clearly and accurately and in the required format.

2.3 Identify all signals received and take action according to response procedures.

2.4 Maintain logbooks and reports in a clear, accurate and legible manner and in the required format.

3Respond to security alarm calls.

3.1 Interpret all alarm signals correctly, identify sources and causes of alarms and notify authorised staff.

3.2 Respond to alarms promptly and according to instructions and emergency procedures.

3.3 Use and interpret codes and call signs correctly in all radio and telephone communication.

3.4 Report incidents clearly, accurately and in the required format.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

complying with procedures for monitoring the environment and premises

testing and maintaining security equipment

using a range of different security systems and equipment for the purpose and in the manner intended and authorised

responding to signals and alarms with the correct action, urgency and process required by instructions and procedures

using communication codes and signals

recording and documenting observations and security information.

Required knowledge:

all aspects of organisation's policies and procedures relevant to monitoring the environment and premises

OHS related to security

use of alarm systems and electronic monitoring equipment

steps necessary to set and deactivate alarms

alarm codes and signals used in the organisation

faults and potential problems and the requirements for reporting them

risks and emergencies and the requirements for identifying and responding to them

requirements for incident records and reports

duty of care responsibilities and requirements.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Overview of assessment

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 should be gathered over time and drawn from the range of routine and required work activities relevant to the performance criteria, the range statement and the organisational environment. Assessment of competence in this unit relies on demonstrated compliance with standard operating procedures and organisational policies.

Performance at this level will be under direct supervision and subject to clear compliance with procedures.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of employability skills as they relate to this unit

ability to monitor and maintain security of premises in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit contains knowledge that may be assessed off the job, for example, in a structured learning process, and performance outcomes which should be assessed ideally in the workplace in routine activities and in conjunction with other units with specific functional focus.

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 and maintaining security of premises, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to security requirements for monitoring premises

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

Evidence must include observation and information generated in the workplace as well as observation of performance in routine work functions or, where this is not possible, in a simulated exercise to confirm the transferability of the competencies.

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

scenarios

completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues

simulations or role plays.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Security equipment may include:

video monitors, cameras and other surveillance equipment

communication and radio equipment

electronically-controlled entrance and exit

electronic search equipment

electronic screening and monitoring, including telephone system.

Monitoring may include using:

surveillance techniques

static security methods

dynamic security techniques

observation

transport

searches appropriate to the situation and location.

Unit sector

Safety and security

Not applicable

Not applicable

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of employability skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged, will assist in identifying employability skills requirements.