Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:16 PM AWST
22/07/2026 9:16 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Develop operational effectiveness of detector dog teams
Develop operational effectiveness of detector dog teams
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPBORD405A
PSPBORD405A
State Code
C8078
C8078
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/07/2014
Field of Education
090911 - Taxation Law
Original Release Date
04/07/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the requirements to ensure that each detector dog team develops and maintains a high level of operational effectiveness. It includes identifying development needs, coordinating the development of each detector dog team, and monitoring workflow and outcomes.In practice, developing operational effectiveness of detector dog teams may overlap with other generalist and specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, applying government processes, using resources, developing work plans.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify the development needs of the detector dog team
- 1.1 The level of operational readiness of each detector dog team is assessed in accordance with organisational standards.
- 1.2 The technical understanding and ability of each handler is assessed in accordance with organisational training standards.
- 1.3 The potential of each dog is assessed in accordance with organisational standards.
2. Coordinate the development of each detector dog team
- 2.1 Strategies for developing the team are identified.
- 2.2 A development plan for each team is prepared in conjunction with the handler.
- 2.3 Effective training and deployment techniques are adopted.
- 2.4 Custody, transport and utilisation of training aids is undertaken in accordance with legislation, policy and guidelines.
- 2.5 The team is provided with detailed feedback.
3. Monitor workflow
- 3.1 The workflow for each team is monitored in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 3.2 The team's workload is balanced against the demands of the workplace and the need for development and training.
4. Monitor outcomes
- 4.1 Detector dog team maintenance and development training is monitored and documented.
- 4.2 Detector dog team performance is regularly evaluated and documented.
- 4.3 Staff are involved in the identification of improvements to procedures and processes.
- 4.4 Continuous improvements are made to procedures, processes and outcomes.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
The detector dog team: comprises
a dog and handler with a unique style, approach, potential, strengths and weaknesses
Potential is based on:
strengths and weaknesses
dog's learning capacity
success in training
Strategies involve:
a structured approach to training and development which is tailored to meet the specific needs of the team
Development plan:
outlines the strategies and timeline for the progressive development of the team
Effective training and deployment techniques relate to:
agency approved training and deployment principles
occupational health and safety
Legislation, policy and guidelines may include:
enabling legislation and regulations
organisational policies and procedures, particularly detector dog program training, operational and training aid control
occupational health and safety
national and regional standard operating procedures
work instructions
occupational health and safety and environment
The detector dog team: comprises
a dog and handler with a unique style, approach, potential, strengths and weaknesses
Potential is based on:
strengths and weaknesses
dog's learning capacity
success in training
Strategies involve:
a structured approach to training and development which is tailored to meet the specific needs of the team
Development plan:
outlines the strategies and timeline for the progressive development of the team
Effective training and deployment techniques relate to:
agency approved training and deployment principles
occupational health and safety
Legislation, policy and guidelines may include:
enabling legislation and regulations
organisational policies and procedures, particularly detector dog program training, operational and training aid control
occupational health and safety
national and regional standard operating procedures
work instructions
occupational health and safety and environment
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPBORD406A Conduct detector dog team training
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV403B Use resources to achieve work unit goals
PSPGOV404B Develop and implement work unit plans
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
Overview of evidence requirements
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 the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
development of operational effectiveness of detector dog teams in a range of (3 or more) contexts ( or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and guidelines relating to development of the operational effectiveness of detector dog teams
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when developing the operational effectiveness of detector dog teams
Where and how to assess evidence
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 when developing operational effectiveness of detector dog teams, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
development of operational effectiveness of detector dog teams in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
demonstration
observation
questioning
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence 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
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPBORD406A Conduct detector dog team training
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV403B Use resources to achieve work unit goals
PSPGOV404B Develop and implement work unit plans
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
Overview of evidence requirements
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 the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
development of operational effectiveness of detector dog teams in a range of (3 or more) contexts ( or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and guidelines relating to development of the operational effectiveness of detector dog teams
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when developing the operational effectiveness of detector dog teams
Where and how to assess evidence
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 when developing operational effectiveness of detector dog teams, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
development of operational effectiveness of detector dog teams in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
demonstration
observation
questioning
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence 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
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWW48 | PSPBDR010 | Develop operational effectiveness of detector dog teams | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J284 | PSP40212 | Certificate IV in Government (Border Protection) | Qualification |