This unit of competency has wide application in the security industry in those roles providing guarding and personal protection activities. Competency requires legal and operational knowledge applicable to relevant sectors of the security industry. The knowledge and skills described in this unit are to be applied within relevant legislative and organisational guidelines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Identify need to use empty hand techniques.

1.1 Applicable provisions of legislative and organisational requirements relevant to own role, competence and authority are identified and complied with.

1.2 Movements and actions of subject are continually observed to anticipate movement and aggressive actions.

1.3 Stance and distance from subject maximises range of defensive options and tactical advantages in physical contact.

1.4 Alternative response options are assessed for viability and withdrawal options are identified and incorporated into defensive options.

1.5 Personal safety needs are identified and maintained.

1.6 Appropriate interpersonal techniques are used and communication is maintained with subject.

2Apply defensive techniques.

2.1 Empty hand techniques are applied in accordance with use of force guidelines.

2.2 Grip on subject is secure, firm and applied using level of force proportionate to the context of the threat.

2.3 Holds are applied quickly to appropriate areas of the body using recognised techniques.

2.4 Strikes and blows from subject are anticipated and positioning is adopted, parried or blocked using recognised techniques.

2.5 Contact with subject is limited to the minimum necessary to removing immediate threat and is discontinued at cessation of threat.

3Isolate subject.

3.1 Weapons and potentially dangerous items are removed from subject and located a safe distance from incident area.

3.2 Situations requiring assistance are identified and sought from relevant persons.

3.3 Subject is maintained at safe distance from members of the public and opportunities for escape are identified and minimised.

3.4 Restraint of subject is conducted in compliance with established procedures.

3.5 Subject is escorted from incident scene to a secure location in accordance with organisational procedures.

4Evaluate response.

4.1 Effectiveness of response is reviewed and evaluated against circumstances of the incident.

4.2 Incident observations are provided accurately and constructively.

4.3 Review findings identify areas for improvement and recommendations for amendment of response procedures are provided for future practice.

4.4 Relevant documentation is completed and securely maintained with due regard to confidentiality in accordance with organisational procedures.

4.5 Effects of stress and other issues related to own well-being are recognised and managed using appropriate stress management techniques.

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

Required skills

communicate and negotiate using clear and concise language

communicate effectively with people from different social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and of varying physical and mental abilities

determine response appropriate to incident situation

identify and comply with applicable legal and procedural requirements including 'use of force' guidelines

identify risk factors and assess degree of risk

implement empty hand techniques without harming subject

interpret and follow instructions and procedures

minimise threat to self and to others by use of appropriate force options

operate security and communications equipment

participate in review and debrief procedures

record, report and process information

use negotiation techniques to defuse and resolve conflict.

Required knowledge

communication techniques, codes and signals

correct use of equipment including personal protective equipment

documentation, reporting and reviewing or debriefing processes

emergency and evacuation procedures and instructions

empty hand techniques

first aid procedures and their application

incident management and methods of restraint

legal provisions relating to powers of arrest and 'use of force' guidelines

negotiation techniques for managing conflict

observation and monitoring techniques

powers and procedures for effecting an arrest

principles of effective communication including interpersonal techniques

problem-solving methods and techniques

security incidents and appropriate responses.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

applying appropriate use of force according to the nature of the threat without harm to the subject

applying empty hand techniques that avoid vital areas of the body

identifying current and potential risk factors which might impact on the safety and security of self and others and implementing appropriate response measures

using effective communication techniques to provide warnings and clear directions to subject, and conduct basic negotiation to defuse conflict in a manner which engages minority groups

reacting in a timely manner to the application and termination of force

selecting response options within specified legal and strategic limits.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment includes:

a setting in the workplace or environment that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range statement.

Resource implications for assessment include:

access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures

access to a registered provider of assessment services

access to a suitable venue and equipment

assessment instruments including personal planner and assessment record book

work schedules, organisational policies and duty statements.

Reasonable adjustments must be made to assessment processes where required for people with disabilities. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed using the following methods of assessment:

observation of processes and procedures

questioning of underpinning knowledge and skills.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and suitable to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the competency being assessed. In all cases where practical assessment is used, it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

Oral questioning or written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a choice between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Legislative requirements may relate to:

apprehension and powers of arrest

Australian standards and quality assurance requirements

counter-terrorism

crowd control and control of persons under the influence of intoxicating substances

force continuum, use of force guidelines

general 'duty of care' responsibilities

inspection of people and property, and search and seizure of goods

licensing or certification requirements

privacy and confidentiality

relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation, codes and national standards for:

anti-discrimination

cultural and ethnic diversity

environmental issues

equal employment opportunity

industrial relations

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

relevant industry codes of practice

trespass and the removal of persons.

Organisational requirements may relate to:

access and equity policies, principles and practices

business and performance plans

client service standards

code of conduct, code of ethics

communication and reporting procedures

complaint and dispute resolution procedures

emergency and evacuation procedures

employer and employee rights and responsibilities

OHS policies, procedures and programs

own role, responsibility and authority

personal and professional development

privacy and confidentiality of information

quality assurance and continuous improvement processes and standards

resource parameters and procedures

roles, functions and responsibilities of security personnel

storage and disposal of information.

Response optionsmay include:

arrest of person

cultural support

defusing the situation

request for assistance

restraint of person

sending alarms

separation or isolation

tactical withdrawal

use of empty hand techniques

use of negotiation techniques

use of specialists or experts.

Personal safetyneeds may include:

access to emergency services

access to specific security equipment

additional training

appropriate vehicle

clarification of own responsibility and competence

maintaining regular communication

personal protective equipment

provision of back-up support

working in a team.

Interpersonal techniques may involve:

active listening

being non-judgemental

being respectful and non-discriminatory

constructive feedback

control of tone of voice and body language

culturally aware and sensitive use of language and concepts

demonstrating flexibility and willingness to negotiate

effective verbal and non-verbal communication

maintaining professionalism

providing sufficient time for questions and responses

reflection and summarising

two-way interaction

use of plain English

use of positive, confident and cooperative language.

Empty hand techniquesmay include:

avoidance techniques

blocking techniques

body positioning

body safety

impact techniques

locking and holding techniques

take down techniques.

Relevant personsmay include:

colleagues

emergency services personnel

medical personnel

specialist teams

supervisor.

Documentationmay include:

activity logs

incident reports

request for assistance forms

vehicle and personnel movements

written and electronic reports.

Effects of stressmay include:

frustration

inability to concentrate

increasing aggression

over-talking

tiredness

uncoordinated movements.

Stress management techniquesmay include:

conscious use of personal recreational activities

counselling

formal debriefing processes

informal exploration of incidents with team members and supporters

review of practice and resources.

Unit sector

Security

Operations

This unit contains employability skills.