Application
This unit describes the skills required to select and apply appropriate non-lethal unarmed self-defence (NUSD) techniques to control persons in operational situations. It includes the ability to minimise the risk to self and others, to quickly re-assess the situation and respond to unexpected changes in circumstances.
This unit was developed for Defence personnel required to apply NUSD techniques in deployed operational situations, but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would typically work independently and as part of a team under direct and/or indirect supervision. They use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs while performing specific tasks in a broad range of unpredictable contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Assess the need to use NUSD techniques | 1.1 Evaluate need to use NUSD techniques against use of force guidelines. 1.2 Assess person’s intentions based on risk assessment and identified opportunities. 1.3 Consider capacity to complete action effectively prior to commencement and assess alternative actions for viability. 1.4 Identify situations requiring assistance and request support. |
2. Use NUSD techniques | 2.1 Select NUSD techniques to ensure protection of self and efficient completion of movement. 2.2 Apply techniques in accordance with use of force guidelines. 2.3 Carry hand restraints in a secure, protected and accessible position for safe deployment. 2.4 Present and apply hand restraints using recognised techniques in accordance with use of force guidelines and legal requirements. 2.5 Compare sufficiency of response against identified opportunities constantly. |
3. Contain the incident | 3.1 Adjust response with changing circumstances in accordance with use of force guidelines and tactical options model. 3.2 Detain, handle and search people within the limits of legal requirements. 3.3 Provide care and protection to detainees. 3.4 Reassess situation to determine and request support requirements |
4. Evaluate response | 4.1 Evaluate and review effectiveness of response in a debrief. 4.2 Provide feedback to participants and supervisors based on accurate and constructive observations of incidents in order to optimise future performance. 4.3 Comply with systems, records and reporting procedures. 4.4 Identify and manage effects of stress using recognised stress management techniques. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
applying basic problem solving strategies
applying first aid
applying legislative and/or legal provisions including provisions governing the use of force, reactive force, misuse of force, proactive force, the duty of care under criminal, civil and international law.
applying observation techniques
communicating and negotiating under stressful situations
interpreting instructions to facilitate solutions within operating parameters
following instructions and reporting information
recording and reporting information accurately
interpreting and complying with legal and procedural requirements
applying and terminating force
applying control techniques that ensure continued protection of self and others and efficient completion of the movement
applying the most appropriate NUSD techniques to counter the threat
identifying current and potential risk factors and their impact on the incident/situation
providing warnings and clear instructions/directions to a person/s posing a threat
selecting response options within specified legal and statutory limits that most effectively meet the objective in accordance with the tactical options model
recognising and managing stress
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
appropriate force according to threat
defensive strike techniques that target or avoid vital areas of the body
response options
the tactical options model
body dynamics and the affect of force on the body
composition of teams and roles and responsibilities of team members
current and potential risk factors and their impact on the incident/situation
defence policies and procedures relating to the use of NUSD techniques
legislative and/or legal provisions including provisions governing the use of force, reactive force, misuse of force, proactive force, the duty of care under criminal, civil and international law.
powers of arrest and procedures for handling and handing over PWs and detainees
response options within specified legal and strategic limits
stress management techniques
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Military Skills