Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 10:32 PM AWST

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Coordinate police search and rescue operations

Coordinate police search and rescue operations

Unit of competency
National Code
POLSAR012
State Code
ODO01
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
21/09/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/10/2021
Field of Education
080399 - Business And Management, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
25/10/2021
Nominal Hours
0
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and implement search and rescue (SAR) operations, as well as coordinate SAR resources and employ media strategies. This unit applies to police officers undertaking police SAR coordination duties.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, particularly those related to resource procurement, stakeholder and family liaison and work health and safety (WHS).Those undertaking this unit would work within multi-agency teams and often liaise with stakeholders. They would make decisions independently while remaining accountable, as well as demonstrate the ability to display adaptability and situational awareness. They would perform complex tasks in a range of contexts, either in the field or within police station/office environments.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Plan for SAR operations
  • 1.1 Identify requirements for a coordination centre to facilitate effective management of SAR operation
  • 1.2 Assess environmental factors to determine impact on SAR operation
  • 1.3 Assess resources required to undertake SAR operations based on information about environmental factors
  • 1.4 Identify role and capabilities of other SAR authorities to assist in SAR operation
  • 1.5 Determine search patterns in accordance with environmental conditions/factors
  • 1.6 Develop rescue plan to assist in managing SAR operation
  • 1.7 Develop contingency plans to account for dynamic circumstances
  • 1.8 Review feasibility of plan in accordance with resource availability/capability and SAR mission
  • 1.9 Evaluate plan continually taking into account environmental context and nature of SAR incident
  • 1.10 Assess resource requirements for extended operations
2 Implement SAR plan
  • 2.1 Maintain critical decision records for accountability purposes
  • 2.2 Modify SAR plan in accordance with changing circumstances
  • 2.3 Evaluate SAR implementation continually to maximise probability of detection
  • 2.4 Facilitate family liaison to ensure next of kin are briefed
  • 2.5 Liaise with stakeholders to ensure effective coordination of resources
  • 2.6 Apply search techniques to support SAR operation
  • 2.7 Assess timeframe for survival of target based on specialist medical advice
  • 2.8 Calculate probability of detection to assess effectiveness of the SAR plan
  • 2.9 Continuously assess incident to determine if handover to another authority is required
  • 2.10 Identify follow-on actions required for ongoing coordination of SAR operation
3 Coordinate resources
  • 3.1 Coordinate assets through delegation of roles and responsibilities
  • 3.2 Assess capabilities of assets to allocate taskings and search areas
  • 3.3 Monitor completion of tasks to ensure safety and task compliance
  • 3.4 Monitor welfare and support requirements of SAR members in accordance with health, safety and wellbeing practices
  • 3.5 Facilitate resupply of resources to support SAR operations
4 Employ media strategies
  • 4.1 Assess media requirements to progress SAR operation and inform media strategy
  • 4.2 Provide information to the media to assist SAR operation in accordance with media policy
  • 4.3 Liaise with media to manage accuracy and timeliness of information
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVN18 POLSAR009 Coordinate police search and rescue operation Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BHC2 POL58121 Diploma of Police Search and Rescue Coordination (Marine / Land) Qualification