ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Select and apply a search methodology

1.1 Approach is chosen to maximise the potential outcome of the search.

1.2 Risks likely to be encountered are identified.

1.3 The tasking is analysed and the situation assessed to identify the most appropriate method for deploying the dog.

2. Deploy the detector dog

2.1 The detector dog is deployed in accordance with legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines.

2.2 Risks are managed in accordance with risk management policies and guidelines.

3. Conduct follow-up search activities

3.1 Ongoing risks are identified and managed to achieve identified outcomes.

3.2 Persons of interest are questioned in accordance with legislation, policies and guidelines.

3.3 Searches are conducted in accordance with legislation, procedures and guidelines.

4. Maintain records

4.1 Information relating to searches is collected, collated and exchanged with other personnel in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

4.2 Contemporaneous notes are maintained in accordance with legislation, policies and guidelines.

4.3 Documentation is completed accurately and in a timeframe that meets legislative and organisational requirements.

5. Gather and report information

5.1 Initiative is used to identify possible information.

5.2 Relevant information is recorded accurately in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.

5.3 Privacy and other legislative requirements are complied with.

5.4 Information is reported to relevant personnel in an accurate and timely manner.

6. Receive and act upon feedback

6.1 Feedback on search processes is sought on a regular basis.

6.2 Process and approach are improved based upon assessment of feedback received.

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

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

conducting searches thoroughly in accordance with legal and policy requirements

dog handling

identifying and addressing occupational health and safety and environmental risks issues associated with deployment of detector dogs

liaising, consulting and communicating with diverse audiences, conveying sometimes complex information orally and in writing

negotiating and applying conflict resolution

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

applying observation techniques

accurately recording and reporting information

applying decision making using sound judgment

responding effectively to feedback

suggesting improvements to procedures

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

risk management principles and risk assessment techniques and the application of these to a range of circumstances relating to the deployment of detector dogs

principles of detector dog training and deployment

enabling and allied legislation

policy, procedures, guidelines, protocols and work instructions/standard operating procedures

jurisdictional and organisational values/ethics and codes of conduct

the organisation's corporate planning cycle and risk management policy and practices

confidentiality, privacy and security issues

equity and diversity principles

occupational health and safety and environment legislation, policies and guidelines

communication systems relevant to the workplace including communications network and radio protocols

equipment operation, usage and maintenance procedures

reporting procedures

evidence handling and storage

profiles and trends

workplace and industry environment.

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPBORD304A Maintain detector dog proficiency

PSPETHC301B Uphold the values and principles of public service

PSPGOV301B Work effectively in the organisation

PSPGOV302B Contribute to workgroup activities

PSPGOV307B Organise workplace information

PSPLEGN301B Comply with legislation in the public sector

PSPOHS301A Contribute to workplace safety.

Overview of evidence requirements

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 the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)

deployment of a detector dog in a range of (3 or more) contexts - re-qualification is periodically required.

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to deployment of a detector dog

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when deploying detector dogs.

Where and how to assess evidence

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 deploying a detector dog, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

deployment of a detector dog in a range of (3 or more) contexts

periodic re-qualification.

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations.

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

demonstration

observation

questioning

scenarios

simulation or role plays

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses.

For consistency of assessment

Evidence 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.

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Search may include:

a search with the detector dog and any follow-up search by the handler of the following:

small craft

commercial vessels

aircraft

cargo containers

cargo

vehicles

postal items

accompanied or unaccompanied baggage

premises.

Risks may include:

methods of concealment

nature of packaging

occupational health and safety issues

types of goods (in particular, dangerous goods)

types of narcotics

workplace environment

time constraints

availability of resources for follow-up activities

strengths and weaknesses of individual detector dog teams.

Relevant legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines may include:

enabling legislation, such as:

Customs Act 1901 and regulations

Quarantine Act 1908 and regulations

organisational policies and procedures, particularly those relating to:

detector dog program training

operational and training aid control

occupational health and safety acts, regulations and guidelines

national and regional policies and procedures

procedural guides/standard operating procedures/work instructions.

Information may include:

details of those searched

characteristics of persons of interest

points of origin

type and nature of goods

types of substances.

Relevant information may include:

addresses

business cards

invoices/bills of lading/or other documents

letters

maps/charts

names

photographs

reasonable grounds for search

telephone numbers

any combination of the above.

Relevant personnel may include:

intelligence

managers/supervisors

research and analysis

staff in other agencies

staff in other work areas

targeting and analysis

colleagues

employees of other agencies

training and analysis.