CSCSAS404A
Use firearms

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to deal with the selection and use of firearms and the effective use of firearms to protect and minimise risk to people.The unit replaces and is equivalent to CSCSAS011A Defend people by using firearms which was customised from the Asset Security Training Package.

Application

This unit applies to correctional services staff 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.


Prerequisites

Not applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Assess 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.

2Handle 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 Ensure judgements made about the use of firearms are justified in terms of 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.

3Evaluate 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, requirements and formats.

3.4 Recognise and manage the effects of stress, using stress management techniques.

Required Skills

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

Required skills:

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

applying firearm use that minimises harm and injury

applying timely reactions in the use and termination of force

providing clear warnings, directions and information

safe and controlled handling of firearms

safe and correct use of ammunition

safe and appropriate use of tactical positions

maintaining consistency of accuracy in the discharge of firearms

maintaining standards required by firearms licensing requirements.

Required knowledge:

legal and procedural requirements related to use of force, use of restraint, use of specific response equipment and techniques, powers of arrest and use of firearms

allowance of tactical responses and use of firearms 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.

Evidence Required

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

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.

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 use firearms in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.

Assessment will also require demonstration of the use of:

self-defence

avoidance techniques

containment and isolation.

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 that 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 by an individual responsible for the use of firearms as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine

copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to using firearms

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

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.

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.

It is recommended consideration be given to assessing this unit in conjunction with:

CSCSAS205A Contain incidents that jeopardise safety and security

CSCSAS302A Control incidents using defensive tactics.


Range Statement

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.

Options for action should include:

communication to calm, distract, change focus and negotiate

tactical withdrawal

requests for assistance

degree of force and methods consistent with level and nature of risk

harm minimisation

allowable defensive techniques and equipment.

Legal requirements will be demonstrated through application of:

applicable federal, and state or territory legislation

organisational guidelines, policies and operating procedures.


Sectors

Unit sector

Safety and security


Competency Field

Not applicable


Co-Requisites

Not applicable


Employability Skills

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.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.