Application
This unit describes the skills required to ensure that each detector dog team develops and maintains a high level of operational effectiveness. It includes identifying development needs, coordinating the development of each detector dog team, and monitoring workflow and outcomes.
This unit applies to those working in roles responsible for the operational effectiveness of detector dog teams.
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.
Those undertaking this unit would work autonomously supervising others, performing complex tasks in a familiar context.
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. Identify the development needs of the detector dog team | 1.1 Assess the level of operational readiness of each detector dog team. 1.2 Assess the technical understanding and ability of each handler in accordance with organisational training standards. 1.3 Assess the potential of each dog. |
2. Coordinate the development of each detector dog team | 2.1 Identify strategies for developing the team. 2.2 Prepare a development plan for each team in conjunction with the handler. 2.3 Adopt effective training and deployment techniques. 2.4 Undertake custody, transport and use of training aids. 2.5 Provide the team with detailed feedback. |
3. Monitor workflow | 3.1 Monitor the workflow for each team. 3.2 Balance the team’s workload against the demands of the workplace and the need for development and training. |
4. Monitor outcomes | 4.1 Monitor and document detector dog team maintenance and development training. 4.2 Evaluate and document detector dog team performance regularly. 4.3 Involve staff in the identification of improvements to procedures and processes. 4.4 Make continuous improvements to procedures, processes and outcomes. |
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.
deploying detector dogs
maintaining detector dog proficiency
analysing training records to identify and record training deficiencies
applying all facets of detector dog training, theory and deployment
identifying strengths and weaknesses of detector dog teams
producing and implementing detector dog team training and assessment of high quality
providing feedback to team members
documenting training and evaluation outcomes
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.
best practice training and development techniques for detector dog teams
performance standards for detector dog and detector dog teams
assessment techniques
workplace and industry environment
public sector legislation including work health and safety and environment related to detector dog team training
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.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills are embedded within the elements and performance criteria of this unit.
Competency Field
Border protection