This unit applies to all people working in detention centres, correctional centres and prisons. The unit may also be demonstrated in a community-based alternative custodial environment such as home detention. Variables will determine different applications of the standards, depending on the nature and complexity of security requirements and defined work role and responsibilities.

Not applicable

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Assess the need to use defensive techniques.

1.1 Assess the level and nature of risk based on risk factors and identified opportunities.

1.2 Assess incidents to determine the need for defensive techniques against the organisation's use of force guidelines, legal requirements and emergency response procedures.

1.3 Assess the capacity to complete the defensive action and consider viability of using alternative actions.

1.4 Call for assistance and support promptly using authorised alarms and codes.

2Apply defensive techniques.

2.1 Apply defensive techniques that comply with use of force guidelines and legal requirements, ensuring protection and safety of people involved.

2.2 Constantly check the degree of response against identified opportunities and incident factors.

2.3 Carry defensive equipment in a secure, protected and accessible position for safe deployment.

2.4 Present and deploy defensive equipment using recognised techniques according to organisational and legal requirements.

2.5 Ensure that physical contact minimises any unnecessary provocation and indignity to the subject.

3Contain incident.

3.1 Adjust or discontinue response according to changes in circumstances and degree of risk and in line with use of force guidelines.

3.2 Ensure actions to detain people comply with legal requirements and organisational procedures.

3.3 Use the assistance of responding officers and other appropriate resources to contain the incident.

4Evaluate response.

4.1 Evaluate and review the effectiveness of responses according to legal requirements and organisational procedures.

4.2 Provide accurate and constructive observations of incidents as part of the review and debriefing process.

4.3 Complete records and reports that comply with organisational procedures, requirements and formats.

4.4 Recognise and manage the effects of stress on self using recognised stress management techniques.

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

Required skills:

interpreting and estimating level of conflict and degree of risk

using effective communication and negotiation skills, especially under pressure, to calm, distract or change focus

providing warnings and clear directions and instructions

using communication systems to request assistance if needed

using appropriate reasonable force options to minimise threat to self and others

using defensive equipment for the purpose and in the manner intended and authorised

applying handcuffs and other restraint equipment

applying first aid.

Required knowledge:

organisation's policies and procedures, and legal requirements related to use of force, use of restraint, use of specific defensive equipment and techniques, misuse of force, and duty of care under criminal and civil law

tactical response within specified legal and strategic limits

response options that are most effective for the degree and nature of risk

principles of communication to reduce the level of threat or conflict

principles of communication to give clear, accurate and concise information

risk factors and their impact on incidents and situations

conflict management strategies and techniques

stress management strategies and techniques.

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.

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 incidents occur.

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 control incidents using defensive equipment and tactics in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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 controlling incidents using defensive equipment and tactics, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the use of force and the use of defensive equipment and tactics

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

completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues

scenarios

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.

Assessment of level and nature of risk should include analysis of the following:

known information about circumstances of incident

known information about people involved in incident

observation of the environment and physical conditions

nature of the incident

available resources and team backup

communication channels

range or response options available

potential and triggers for escalation or defusing.

Identified opportunities may include:

lapses in concentration

distractions

opportunities for escape

access to weapons

presence of support.

Defensive techniques may include:

avoidance techniques and withdrawal

self-defence

empty hand techniques

stunning techniques

take-downs

use of defensive equipment

use of chemical agents

containment and isolation

canine deployment.

Legal requirements include:

applicable Crimes Acts and regulations

duty of care under criminal and civil law

use of force guidelines

licensing arrangements

relevant federal, and state or territory legislation.

Alternative actions may include:

tactical withdrawal

use of negotiation techniques

request and wait for assistance.

Defensive equipment may include:

batons

handcuffs and restraint equipment

individual aerosol chemical agent

body belt

hobbles

security chain link

restraining mattress

temporary plastic handcuffs (flexicuffs).

Effects of stress can include:

inability to concentrate

uncoordinated movements

over-talking

frustration

increasing aggression

tiredness.

Stress management techniques may include:

critical incident debriefing

informal exploration of incidents with team members and supporters

counselling

review of practice and resources.

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.