Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Search operation and task information should include:
confirmation of the powers to search under legislation, policy and procedures
purpose of the search
area to be searched
specified objectives
types of search, including:
cell search
vehicle search
mail search
baggage search
area search
environment search
search of individuals
routine or special search of property
search of equipment, machinery and appliances.
Environment and property should include relevant selections from:
accommodation
special locations, such as kitchens, recreational areas, education centres and work areas
personal possessions
external locations
deliveries
grounds
equipment, machinery and appliances
inside and outside the correctional facility.
Search equipment may include:
gloves
personal protective clothing and equipment
probes
mirrors
cameras and video cameras
x-ray
restraint equipment
detector dogs
authorised evidence containers
sample containers.
Thorough and systematic process means the search includes:
systematic approach, for example starting at one point and searching in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction
consideration of all methods of concealment
consideration of contents in light of information or grounds for the search
consideration of the potential for items to be used for escape or intelligence.
Searching of people should include:
offenders
visitors
public
colleagues
support staff
high risk offenders
offenders from different cultural backgrounds
in locations outside the correctional facility.
Organisationalpolicies and procedures should include references to:
authorisation to search
prohibited, restricted and unauthorised material
requirements for strip searches, including gender restrictions, location, etc.
handling, security and storage of unauthorised property
incident recording and reporting
requirements for searching visitors
occupational health and safety policies
code of conduct
principles of duty of care and humane care.

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
Assessment of this unit can be applied using a combination of training outcomes and performance in the workplace, with the principal evidence developed through performance in routine work functions in the workplace.
Evidence needs to be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and/or apply the principles in a different situation or change of environment. Where this unit specifies performance in areas with unpredictable and risk implications, assessment in simulations should be used as well as retrospective documentation and observation of performance working with high risk offenders and in a range of different environments where searches occur.
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 conduct searches in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
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 conducting searches, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to conducting searches
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
Evidence must include observation and information generated in the workplace as well as observation of performance in routine work functions or, where this is not possible, in a simulated exercise to confirm the transferability of the competencies.
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
scenarios
simulations or role plays.
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.