Application
This unit describes the skills required to assess media requirements in line with the nature of the search and rescue incident, and to facilitate media presence.
This unit applies to police staff involved in police search and rescue (SAR) operations.
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 information security and media engagement.
Those undertaking this role may work autonomously and supervising teams while remaining responsible for reporting to senior staff. They would demonstrate adaptability across a broad range of contexts while performing complex tasks.
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 SAR incident media requirements | 1.1 Define restricted and/or special access areas for media personnel to safeguard the operation. 1.2 Appoint media liaison to coordinate media involvement. 1.3 Assess operational responsibilities and provision of information to media. 1.4 Liaise with agencies/organisations to negotiate consistent key messaging and to communicate media strategy. 1.5 Identify opportunities for media to support SAR operations. |
2. Facilitate media presence at SAR incident | 2.1 Establish logistical arrangements to meet media requirements in accordance with SAR incident. 2.2 Brief media representatives to manage information flow and support SAR operations. 2.3 Allocate media briefing area with required resources. 2.4 Allocate media spokesperson to provide current and accurate information to public. 2.5 Adapt media releases to suit operational demands and/or level of incident. 2.6 Schedule briefing sessions and tours in line with operational responsibilities and media requirements. 2.7 Record media enquiries and interviews for accountability purposes. |
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 one occasion.
identifying media areas in accordance with SAR incident requirements
assessing media requirements
facilitating media access
communicating with stakeholders
contributing to media strategies in accordance with operational demands and/or level of incident
maintaining records
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.
jurisdictional policies and procedures for media liaison
newsworthiness of information
organisational and legal requirements relating to confidentiality, libel, accuracy, discrimination
organisational policies and procedures (such as relevant legislation; operational, corporate and strategic plans; operational performance standards; operational policies and procedures; organisational personnel and work health and safety practices and guidelines; organisational quality standards; organisation's approach to environmental management and sustainability)
requirements of different media such as: newspapers, magazines, radio, television
requirements of local versus regional versus national media
requirements of media to present information in a newsworthy/entertaining manner
role of media in disseminating information
Assessment Conditions
This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.
Consideration must be given to holistic assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the companion volumes.
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.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Search and rescue