This unit addresses driving police vehicles under operational conditions in the workplace. This unit includes implementing appropriate tactical driving strategies to safely drive a police vehicle, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
This unit is the minimum driving standard for operational police.
Not applicable.
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare vehicle for operational driving | 1.1 Vehicle/s appropriate to operational requirements and terrain are selected 1.2 Pre-drive check of vehicle, equipment and accessories is performed to ensure availability and serviceability in accordance with organisational policies and procedures and manufacturer's specifications 1.3 Start-up checks are performed in accordance with training/organisational policies and procedures 1.4 Audible and visual warning systems are checked for operation in accordance with organisational policies and procedures 1.5 Vehicle and operational response documentation is recorded in accordance with organisational policies and procedures |
2. Drive vehicle in operational conditions | 2.1 Defensive driving techniques are applied in accordance with organisational policies and procedures 2.2 Vehicles are driven and controlled in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, road and traffic conditions and organisational policies and procedures 2.3 Appropriate risk management strategies are applied during operational driving to maintain operational safety, in accordance with workplace environment 2.4 Most efficient route of travel is anticipated and monitored considering traffic flows and environmental conditions 2.5 Ethical and professional behaviour is applied when driving police vehicles in accordance with organisational policies and procedures 2.6 Situational awareness is applied in accordance with organisational policies and procedures |
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
apply engine power management and safe driving strategies apply vehicle handling techniques, including defensive driving assess and manage risk manage personal stress and fatigue during urgent duty and pursuit situations or when driving in operational conditions maintain situational awareness monitor and anticipate traffic hazards and take appropriate action perform vehicle checks plan route, navigate roads and read maps solve problems use on-board vehicle technology, including audible and visual warning systems use police communication systems and processes |
Required Knowledge |
causes and effects of fatigue on drivers ethical considerations, including public expectations and perceptions of police driving jurisdictional reporting and recording requirements organisational policies and procedures (such as relevant legislation; operational, corporate and strategic plans; operational performance standards; operational policies and procedures; organisational personnel and occupational health and safety practices and guidelines; organisational quality standards; organisation's approach to environmental management and sustainability) relevant jurisdictional legislation such as that relating to traffic and road rules, occupational health and safety (OH&S) relevant jurisdictional policies and procedures such as that relating to driving, OH&S, accidents, urgent duty/pursuit driving, drugs and alcohol risk assessment strategies |
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: prepare vehicles for operational driving drive the vehicle in operational conditions plan for potential traffic flow problems demonstrate ethical and professional driving. Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated consistently through practical performances of operational driving and over time to ensure the competence has been achieved. Maintaining personal safety, safety awareness and awareness of traffic conditions and other road users is critical. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in either an operational or simulated operational situation under varying conditions and contexts. Specific resources for assessment Access is required to: operational vehicle appropriate equipment and resources real or simulated policing environment. |
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. |
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. | |
Vehicles may include: | Automatic and manual vehicles Marked and unmarked four wheel drive vehicles Marked and unmarked motor cycles Marked and unmarked police sedans Marked and unmarked station wagons |
Pre-drive check may include: | Battery Bio hazards (blood etc) Brakes (park, pedal [pressure/travel], anti-lock braking systems, including warning light) Electronic stability program Equipment (operational, PPK) Fan belts Fuel Instrument/control layout Lights (external - headlamps, indicators, etc.) Operation of emergency warning devices (lights/sirens) Mirrors Mobile data terminal or equivalent Physical check or scan of gauges Police radio/mobile data terminals Radio Registration Roadworthiness Seat belts Steering Traction control Tyres and tyre pressures Vehicle fluids (includes oil leaks) Visual inspection of vehicle (internal, external and underneath) Weapons/foreign objects Wheel changing equipment Wheels/tyres (including spare) Windscreen/wipers/wiper blades Warning devices, including instrumentation Windows (electric/manual operated) |
Manufacturer's specifications may include: | Clearance height Engagement procedures Engine characteristics Engine horsepower rating Fuel capacity for range Maximum vehicle weight No-spin locking differential Radius of turning circle Safety procedures Systems warning functions |
Start-up checks may include: | Adjusting seats and mirrors Fastening seatbelts Re-checking brake pedal Re-checking warning lights and systems Starting vehicle in accordance with training/organisational procedures Unusual engine compartment noises |
Operational conditions may include: | Driving in special environments (e.g. on actual airport movement areas) Hazardous environmental conditions (e.g. bushfires) Prevailing weather Sealed/unsealed roads Time of day/night Traffic conditions Urban/rural Visibility |
Defensive driving techniques may include: | Accelerating Braking Cornering Correcting and overtaking Night driving Skid avoidance Steering techniques (such as hand over hand steering, fixed hand steering, pull/push steering) |
Road conditions may include | Effect of weather on roads Foreign material Road surface (sealed/unsealed, corrugated, sand etc.) Visibility |
Traffic conditions may include: | Community functions and events Day/night Parking Peak/non-peak Road surface Traffic pattern and density Visibility Weather conditions, including temperature and climate |
Risk management may include: | Analysing/assessing risk Controlling/treating risk Hazard assessment Identifying risk Monitoring Personal, fellow worker or public safety Reviewing |
Operational driving may include: | Levels of response Procedures/policies Pursuit driving Risk assessment Routine patrol Traffic conditions Traffic legislation Type of vehicle, in accordance with jurisdictional requirements or policy Type or nature of incident Urgent duty driving Warning devices |
Situational awareness may include: | Managing operational response Multi-tasking Receiving and processing incoming information from a variety of sources including police radio, partner, other vehicles, own observations, other communications, previous knowledge, etc. |
Not applicable.
This unit contains employability skills.
Not applicable.