PUAPOLGD002A
Apply policing methods

This unit covers the competency required to undertake patrols and to respond to situations to enforce laws and/or to maintain public order.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Application

This unit applies to persons undertaking patrols and using knowledge of the local patrol area to inform policing strategies.

This unit supports the ability to analyse information/intelligence in order to use policing strategies, which include the ability to resolve/refer/respond to issues.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Undertake patrols

1.1 Positive visual and professional presence is maintained while patrolling

1.2 Emergent situations are correctly analysed and appropriate actions are taken, including requests for further assistance

1.3 Effective communication is maintained with other relevant officers, other related agencies and the public where appropriate

1.4 Patrolling is undertaken in accordance with organisational requirements, principles of non-discrimination, supervisor's instructions and in a manner that optimises achievement of patrol goals

1.5 Information/intelligence gathered and analysed while on patrol is shared with other officers

2. Analyse, maintain and utilise knowledge of the local patrol area

2.1 Features particular to a patrol area are analysed, noted and disseminated

2.2 Communication paths are established and fostered with patrol community members

2.3 Policing issues concerning a patrol area are identified in the media, through internal intelligence and bulletins/notices

2.4 Patrol area information and issues are analysed and used to select policing strategies

3. Utilise and maintain currency of internal intelligence

3.1 Internal/external sources of information are accessed and used to maintain currency with general and patrol specific criminal and community social and economic issues

3.2 Communication, regarding latest patrol area issues, is maintained with other patrol members and sections in accordance with organisational information security procedures

3.3 Activities are based on an analysis of the latest patrol intelligence and in accordance with organisational procedures

4. Analyse and respond to incidents/taskings and requests for assistance

4.1 Taskings are received, acknowledged and actioned in accordance with operational procedures

4.2 Incident attendance and method of approach are timely, situationally and culturally appropriate, well planned and consistent with organisational policy

4.3 All actions taken in response to incident/tasking are in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

4.4 Requests for assistance from community members are dealt with in an effective, timely and professional manner

4.5 Follow-up action is taken with efficient management of issues, selection of appropriate equipment, services and techniques for self and others

4.6 Communication is maintained with relevant personnel throughout the incident

5. Analyse situations and implement strategies to resolve issues

5.1 Problems and barriers to resolution are readily identified, critically evaluated and a range of response options are developed and planned

5.2 Most situationally appropriate and timely response is selected and safely implemented in accordance with organisational procedures

5.3 All actions are undertaken within organisational guidelines for professional behaviour

6. Analyse behaviour and implement reaction/response strategies

6.1 Situational behaviour of persons is accurately assessed with due regard to cultural diversity

6.2 Professionally responsible and flexible response strategies are planned and adopted in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

6.3 Potential causes of conflict and harmful behaviour are anticipated and responses to prevent escalation are selected and implemented

6.4 Relevant operational safety practices are identified and implemented where necessary

6.5 Personnel required to facilitate resolution are accessed, briefed and supported

7. Provide first response control, command and coordination at incidents

7.1 Level of first response control/command for each situation/incident is accurately assessed and responses are planned that comply with organisational operational policy

7.2 First response control/command/coordination of the police response to an situation/incident is carried out in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

7.3 Appropriate communication is maintained with supervising officer

7.4 First response control/command/ coordination duties are transferred to appropriate person and that person is accurately briefed regarding the situation/incident

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

act autonomously

analyse and plan appropriate action

apply the use of force (restraining and self-defence tactics) including the use of lethal force

command, control, coordinate initial emergency responses at an incident scene

de-escalate incidents

effectively communicate appropriate instructions/directives to suspects/victims and other members of the public

identify situational behaviour and problems

mediate as required

minimise workplace risks to self, colleagues and the public

resolve conflict

use counselling techniques when required

Required Knowledge

general duty of care responsibilities

human behaviour (individual and group) and the impacts of age, gender, ethnicity, social background and recreational practices such as drugs, alcohol

jurisdictional laws, by-law and regulations relating to offences against persons and property

jurisdictional laws, policy and procedures covering discrimination and disability

organisational policies and procedures covering reactive operational safety issues/practices

potential risks associated with operational policing

reporting requirements in relation to operational safety matters

strategies to optimise safety under a range of operational scenarios

use of force and its legal parameters

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.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

demonstrate knowledge of the patrol area

accurately analyse and assess incidents and situations

communicate effectively

exercise discretion in taking action to avoid escalation of an incident or deterioration of a scene.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Specific resources for assessment

There are no specific resource requirements for this unit.

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions.


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.

Patrolling could be on foot or mobile (vehicle, bike, on public transport) and should cover a range of community settings such as:

Business, residential and industrial areas

Car parks

Entertainment/club/hotel areas

Shopping centres

Sporting grounds and other open areas

Effective communication includes:

Being appropriate and professional at all times

Contributing to the safety of officers and the public

Ensuring all relevant scenario information is shared between officers present at a specific scene/incident

Ensuring lawful directions given are clearly understood by the recipient

Following organisational code of ethics for dealing with fellow officers and members of the public

Information/Intelligence may include:

Activities

Counter terrorism

Forthcoming community actions/activities that could be of promotional assistance to policing

Groups

Previous unresolved crime/s and/or the whereabouts of criminals

Social/cultural/physical changes within a patrol area

Suspicious persons

Vehicles

Taskings should cover complete range of administrative and patrol activities and includes:

Attendance at emergency incidents such as traffic accidents

Brawls

Counter terrorism

Court duties

Crowd control at public venues such as sporting events

Desk inquiries

Domestic disputes

General foot and mobile patrols

Major incidents

Mental health

Music concerts and festivals

Planning and management of investigations

Processions

Rallies

Riots

Station duties

Triple zero (000) calls

Requests for assistance may include:

People seeking general information or reporting disturbances or suspicious activity

Follow-up action may include:

Analysis of information/intelligence gathered

Attendance in court

Interviews

Mental health

Preparation of regulatory/infringement notices/court documents/briefs

Provision of advice/intelligence to other police officers, etc.

Provision of further information

Relevant personnel may include:

Business proprietors

Government/non-government agencies

Medical/hospital staff

Other emergency service workers

Partners/colleagues

Supervisors present/not present at the incident site

Suspect's/victim's family members

Analysing situations may include:

Appreciating the incident

Determining response level

Determining whether security is required

Establishing communication

Situational analysis of evidence and information at hand

Resolving issues may include:

Controlling emergencies such as road accidents

Counselling juveniles

Counter terrorism

Dealing with new or unexpected responses to police interventions

Dealing with verbal/physical abuse from the public

Domestic disputes

Life threatening encounters

Mental health

Responding to the different needs of people within a culturally diverse society, which should reflect a variety of situations where professional judgement regarding arrest, cautioning or reporting is required

Wide range of day-to-day normal and unexpected situations that could arise

Situational behaviour may include:

Full range of verbal and non-verbal behavioural responses to the presence of police officers or lawful instruction given by such officers

Cultural diversity encompasses:

Recognition of the linguistic and cultural assets in the population as a valuable resource

Respect for and the accommodation of culture, language and religion of others within an Australian legal and institutional framework where English is the primary language

Utilising and promoting this resource to maximise the development of the nation

First response relates to:

Responsibilities of the officer first at the scene/incident and could cover situations such as traffic accidents, brawls, hostage situations, counter terrorism, suspected crime scenes or other emergency situations


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.