The application of this unit in the workplace addresses the knowledge and skills to be able to manage information within a specialised policing context. Individuals will be able to apply the skills and knowledge within various policing functions and environments.
The unit supports the collection, collation, analysis and evaluation of information that may be of a sensitive nature. The protection of the integrity and security of the information is also covered in this unit. Police officers will also develop inferences after the interpretation of information and produce written reports in this regard.
The competence specified in this unit would typically be required by police officers.
Not applicable.
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Collect information | 1.1 Information sources are established and managed to maximise the availability of information prior to, during and after the operation 1.2 Information requirements are clearly communicated to collectors to focus the gathering of relevant information 1.3 Appropriate collection techniques are applied to information sources 1.4 Specialist information systems are accessed in accordance with agency guidelines 1.5 Collected information is registered, recorded and stored for future access and retrieval 1.6 Information gaps are identified and addressed to improve operational response |
2. Protect the integrity and security of information | 2.1 Legislative, policy and environmental factors are considered and addressed in the management of information 2.2 Information is entered into organisational recording system ensuring the security and integrity of information 2.3 Strategies, systems and procedures are developed and implemented to ensure the security and integrity of information 2.4 Existence of internal control procedures is ensured in accordance with organisational policies and guidelines |
3. Collate information | 3.1 Collation methods relevant to operational circumstances are identified and applied 3.2 Effectiveness of collation is evaluated and methods are amended as required to provide relevant summary data 3.3 Organisational administrative requirements are complied with |
4. Evaluate information | 4.1 Source of information is evaluated to determine reliability and associated risk 4.2 Information gathered is evaluated to determine operational relevance 4.3 Existing information is regularly subjected to re-evaluation to determine currency 4.4 Invalid and/or irrelevant information is removed from further processing in accordance with agency guidelines |
5. Analyse and interpret information | 5.1 Variety of appropriate thinking processes is applied to information 5.2 Consistency of interpretations/inferences with available data is ensured 5.3 Interpretations made are relevant to critical issues |
6. Develop inferences | 6.1 Possible interpretations are subjected to testing 6.2 Possible interpretations are subjected to refinement and consolidation 6.3 Sound inferences are formulated from tested interpretations 6.4 Assessment is prepared identifying relationship between data developed and probable interpretations 6.5 Sound recommendations are developed to provide direction to the operation |
7. Produce written report | 7.1 Intended recipients are identified and expectations are negotiated to provide relevant information 7.2 Written report protocols are followed in accordance with agency guidelines 7.3 Written report format, tone and language are specific to client need and/or operational circumstances 7.4 Report content is accurate and written in a concise and logical manner 7.5 Written report is presented in a professional manner 7.6 Written report is disseminated to intended recipients in a timely manner |
8. Obtain feedback from clients and operational units | 8.1 Lines of communication for feedback are established and maintained to review performance 8.2 Feedback on products and dissemination methods is actively sought to review performance 8.3 Feedback is acknowledged, recorded and appropriate action is taken to review performance |
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
collect, record, collate, analyse, evaluate and disseminate information communicate effectively orally and in writing conduct formal and informal briefings and debriefings delegate manage time effectively network plan and organise information activities solve problems think laterally |
Required Knowledge |
dissemination and security freedom of information and privacy legislation information analysis and interpretation processes information collation/recording and dissemination processes jurisdictional laws organisational/agency information management principles/techniques and systems policies and procedures related to information gathering recording storage |
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: ensure the integrity and security of information accurately analyse and interpret information. Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of simulated or actual workplace activities. |
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. |
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. | |
Information sources may include: | Agents and operators both private and commercial Departmental sections Informants Government departments and other agencies Members of the public Other police officers Professional associations and event organisers Specialist and public information systems/databases Victims Volunteer organisations Witnesses |
Managing information sources may include: | Compliance with organisational legal and policy constraints Identification Monitoring Ongoing maintenance and evaluation of sources of information Recording |
Specialist information systems could include: | Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence (ABCI) For search and rescue, this may also include COSPAS-SARSAT and similar satellite systems, the Australian Ship Reporting System (AUSREP) and/or similar systems Interpol, National Crime Authority National Exchange of Police Information (NEPI) system Organisational information systems (such as COPS. in NSW) Other government/non-government information services/databases |
Recorded and stored include: | Documents Electronic or manual storage Files Filing cabinets/compactus Information recording systems such as computers, audio/video tape, photographs Operational logs Running sheets/logs including charts/overlays Statements |
Collation methods may include: | Categorising Comparing Covert and overt Cross-referencing information collected Electronically transmitted data and written correspondence Interviews - face-to-face, radio, telephone Linking Surveillance Validating Visual observations |
Operational circumstances may include: | Availability of resources Environmental Financial Geographical operational areas Technological Timeframes |
Evaluating effectiveness of collation may include: | Accuracy Consideration of issues of credibility Pertinence Reliability Validity |
Re-evaluation means: | Subjecting existing information to evaluation processes in the light of new information received |
Thinking processes may include: | Creative Critical Lateral Reasoning that is deductive (hypotheses testing - gathering and interpreting raw data, identifying patterns or trends and testing them) |
Critical issues may include: | Environmental Medical Physiological Timeframe for survival |
Testing of interpretations must be: | Balanced Logical Objective and comprehensive to be considered appropriate Sceptical And may involve critical evaluation, logical reasoning or additional data collection |
Refinement and consolidation of interpretations involves: | Additional testing Re-evaluation Reformation or other activities aimed at confirmation to a strong degree of probability |
Sound inferences may include: | An assessment being written Formal or informal Interpretations that are probable Predictions Sound recommendations that address both strategic and tactical issues Verbal |
Written report protocols may include: | Authorship Covering reports (overview of operation, recommendations, attachments) Dissemination/circulation schedules Initial advice forms Media release details where relevant Messaging systems Operational running sheets/logs, progress to date/current position, difficulties/issues |
Written reports may include: | Briefing papers Information report Judicial and coronial Ministerial Operational Strategic Tactical |
Professional manner may include: | Labelling of attachments Paragraphing Page layout Using correct grammar and spelling |
Feedback may be: | Formal or informal Oral or electronic Written |
Appropriate action may include: | Examining and/or amending present and future methodologies No action Only responding to feedback |
Not applicable.
This unit contains employability skills.
Not applicable.