This unit applies to all people 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. Variables will determine different applications of the standards depending on the nature and complexity of security requirements and defined work role and responsibilities.

Customisation will be required to accommodate the different work sites and defined work role contexts in which this unit will be applied.

Not applicable

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Process 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.

2Maintain 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.

3Comply with court requirements.

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

3.2 Identify court personnel and key people in the court system and establish communication and liaison.

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.

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

Required skills:

checking and assessing information about persons in custody to confirm identification, requirements and conditions of attendance at court

managing behaviour and cooperation of persons in custody

searching persons in custody according to regulations and procedures

using security equipment

monitoring persons in custody for safety, security and welfare

using a range of communication strategies to determine special needs, risks and concerns

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

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

managing the accommodation, supervision and movements of persons in custody in the court

completing reports clearly and accurately

providing information to judges/magistrates.

Required knowledge:

organisation's policies, procedures and guidelines relating to supervision and management of persons in custody specific to the court environment, such as:

operating procedures for court supervision

court protocol

recording and reporting

offender information system

emergency response

preservation of evidence

code of conduct

duty of care

supervision of people at risk

OHS

court protocol and terminology

layout of the courts

security 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 should be based on evidence produced from routine work applications and performance. Assessment will require the candidate to be responsible for the supervision of offenders and detainees in either a specified court or in a range of courts served by the organisation's services.

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.

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

copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to prisoner supervision and management in a court environment

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.

Reliable and authorised sources of information can include:

offender information system

warrants clerk

official court documents

court listings

movement orders

justice system reports

managers, supervisors and colleagues

clerk of the court.

Attendance at court may include:

local courts

Magistrates Court

County Court

District Court

Supreme Court

High Court

Federal Court

Family Court

Coroner's Court

tribunals

Federal Magistrates Service.

Information about the court process may include:

when to stand or be seated

silence in court

no eating or drinking

not to approach dock.

Risk indicators may include:

suicide

effects of drugs and alcohol

violent and uncooperative behaviour

mental illness

depression, anxiety and stress.

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.