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.

Overview of assessment

Evidence for assessment 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.

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

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 employability skills as they relate to this unit

ability to assess incidents and determine appropriate responses to security risks in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment will require demonstration in the contexts of:

risks to offenders

risks to staff

risks to members of the public

incidents within a custodial setting

incidents in the general community and in public locations.

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 by an individual responsible for assessing incidents and determining appropriate responses to security risks as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine

copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to assessing incidents and determining appropriate responses to security risks

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

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

Required skills:

interpreting and complying with legal and procedural requirements

selecting response options within specified legal and strategic limits

selecting response options that are most effective for the objective

using communication to reduce the level of threat or conflict

using communication to give clear, accurate and concise information

using security equipment

identifying current and potential risk factors and their impact on the incident or situation

working as part of a team

reviewing response strategies and making adjustments according to changing circumstances.

Required knowledge:

legislative requirements covering use of force, duty of care, use of restraint, use of arrest and use of defensive weapons

organisation's policies and procedures covering emergency response, use of weapons, use of restraint, incident management, recording and reporting

principles of effective communication and use of interpersonal techniques, especially under pressure

principles of problem solving

team roles and responsibilities, delegations, chain of command and accountability

use of security equipment

surveillance and observation techniques

alarms and signals

principles of cooperative teamwork.

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Incidents will include:

fire

violence and physical threat

medical emergencies

security breaches

uncooperative and abusive behaviour

destruction of property.

Assessment of risk should include assessment of the following factors:

known information about people involved in the incident

observation of the environment and physical conditions

nature of the incident

available resources and team backup

communication channels

range of response options available

potential and triggers for escalation or defusing.

Responses will be in line with established procedures, authorised by the organisation and may include:

defusing an aggressive situation

making a tactical withdrawal

making requests for assistance

using negotiation techniques

using restraint techniques and equipment

using tactical response methods

using defensive equipment.