Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 2:04 AM AWST
23/07/2026 2:04 AM 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.
Take custody of and store weapons
Take custody of and store weapons
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPREG421A
PSPREG421A
State Code
C8289
C8289
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/07/2014
Field of Education
091105 - Police Studies
Original Release Date
04/07/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit covers the skills and knowledge to enable officers to correctly and safely take custody of and store firearms and other weapons to ensure compliance with legislation, policy and official directions. It includes handling, securing and maintaining weapons.In practice, handling and storing weapons may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, exercising regulatory powers, acting on non-compliance, complying with legislation, applying government processes.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Take custody of weapons
- 1.1 Safe handling, storage and security requirements for firearms, ammunition and other weapons are identified and applied.
- 1.2 Procedures for making firearms and other weapons safe for processing, transportation or storage are identified and applied.
- 1.3 Personal safety is maintained in relation to handling firearms and other weapons.
- 1.4 Standing procedures relating to accidental discharge of firearms and incidents involving other weapons are identified and followed as required.
- 1.5 Up-to-date knowledge of procedures for reporting and dealing with injury is maintained and applied.
- 1.6 Situations requiring assistance are identified and support is promptly requested in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
2. Secure and maintain weapons
- 2.1 Weapons are secured in accordance with legislation, organisational policy and procedures.
- 2.2 Care and storage requirements for firearms, ammunition and other weapons are identified and followed.
- 2.3 Weapons are maintained or disposed of in accordance with organisational procedures and legislative requirements.
- 2.4 Reporting and recordkeeping procedures for firearms, ammunition and other weapons are followed.
- 2.5 Procedures for reporting loss, damage or theft of firearms, ammunition or other weapons are identified and followed.
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.
Firearms may include:
rifles
handguns
shotguns
air firearms
Ammunition may include:
centre fire and rim-fire small arms ammunition
shotgun cartridges
air pellets
Other weapons may include:
knives
swords
bows
crossbows
batons
blowguns and darts
box cutters
wire cutters
scissors
spikes
syringes
skewers
improvised weapons
explosives and improvised explosive devices (rendered safe)
Personal safety issues may include:
where weapons are encountered
whether weapons are legal/licensed
using safe procedures for unloading firearms
the state of firearm readiness in which the firearm is presented for examination
knowledge of firearm safety rules
the provision or creation of a safe direction in which to conduct firearm safe handling procedures
personal protective equipment
Standing procedures may include:
first aid treatment for gunshot wounds and other injuries
preserving a crime scene in an incident involving the discharge or theft of a firearm, or ammunition
procedures for unloading and making firearms safe
Reporting and recordkeeping procedures may include:
procedures for transferring weapons or referring their detection to others
Firearms may include:
rifles
handguns
shotguns
air firearms
Ammunition may include:
centre fire and rim-fire small arms ammunition
shotgun cartridges
air pellets
Other weapons may include:
knives
swords
bows
crossbows
batons
blowguns and darts
box cutters
wire cutters
scissors
spikes
syringes
skewers
improvised weapons
explosives and improvised explosive devices (rendered safe)
Personal safety issues may include:
where weapons are encountered
whether weapons are legal/licensed
using safe procedures for unloading firearms
the state of firearm readiness in which the firearm is presented for examination
knowledge of firearm safety rules
the provision or creation of a safe direction in which to conduct firearm safe handling procedures
personal protective equipment
Standing procedures may include:
first aid treatment for gunshot wounds and other injuries
preserving a crime scene in an incident involving the discharge or theft of a firearm, or ammunition
procedures for unloading and making firearms safe
Reporting and recordkeeping procedures may include:
procedures for transferring weapons or referring their detection to others
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:
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPREG401C Exercise regulatory powers
PSPREG402C Promote client compliance
PSPREG405B Act on non-compliance
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)
taking custody and storage of weapons 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 protocols relating to handling and storage of weapons
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when taking custody and storing of weapons
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 handling and storing weapons, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
taking custody and storage of weapons 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
scenarios
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:
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPREG401C Exercise regulatory powers
PSPREG402C Promote client compliance
PSPREG405B Act on non-compliance
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)
taking custody and storage of weapons 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 protocols relating to handling and storage of weapons
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when taking custody and storing of weapons
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 handling and storing weapons, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
taking custody and storage of weapons 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
scenarios
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWT79 | PSPREG019 | Take custody of and store weapons | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J277 | PSP30212 | Certificate III in Government (Border Protection) | Qualification |
| J291 | PSP41412 | Certificate IV in Government (Statutory Compliance) | Qualification |