Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:22 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:22 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.
Deploy detector dog
Deploy detector dog
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPBORD303A
PSPBORD303A
State Code
C8071
C8071
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/07/2014
Field of Education
099905 - Security Services
Original Release Date
04/07/2014
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit covers the skills and knowledge required in the use and deployment of a detector dog. It includes selecting and applying a search methodology, deploying the detector dog, conducting follow-up search activities, maintaining records, gathering and reporting information, and receiving and acting upon feedback.In practice, deploying a detector dog may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector workplace activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, working effectively, using teamwork, applying workplace safety procedures, etc.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Select and apply a search methodology
- 1.1 Approach is chosen to maximise the potential outcome of the search.
- 1.2 Risks likely to be encountered are identified.
- 1.3 The tasking is analysed and the situation assessed to identify the most appropriate method for deploying the dog.
2. Deploy the detector dog
- 2.1 The detector dog is deployed in accordance with legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines.
- 2.2 Risks are managed in accordance with risk management policies and guidelines.
3. Conduct follow-up search activities
- 3.1 Ongoing risks are identified and managed to achieve identified outcomes.
- 3.2 Persons of interest are questioned in accordance with legislation, policies and guidelines.
- 3.3 Searches are conducted in accordance with legislation, procedures and guidelines.
4. Maintain records
- 4.1 Information relating to searches is collected, collated and exchanged with other personnel in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 4.2 Contemporaneous notes are maintained in accordance with legislation, policies and guidelines.
- 4.3 Documentation is completed accurately and in a timeframe that meets legislative and organisational requirements.
5. Gather and report information
- 5.1 Initiative is used to identify possible information.
- 5.2 Relevant information is recorded accurately in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.
- 5.3 Privacy and other legislative requirements are complied with.
- 5.4 Information is reported to relevant personnel in an accurate and timely manner.
6. Receive and act upon feedback
- 6.1 Feedback on search processes is sought on a regular basis.
- 6.2 Process and approach are improved based upon assessment of feedback received.
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.
Search may include:
a search with the detector dog and any follow-up search by the handler of the following:
small craft
commercial vessels
aircraft
cargo containers
cargo
vehicles
postal items
accompanied or unaccompanied baggage
premises
Risks may include:
methods of concealment
nature of packaging
occupational health and safety issues
types of goods (in particular, dangerous goods)
types of narcotics
workplace environment
time constraints
availability of resources for follow-up activities
strengths and weaknesses of individual detector dog teams
Relevant legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines may include:
enabling legislation, such as:
Customs Act 1901 and regulations
Quarantine Act 1908 and regulations
organisational policies and procedures, particularly those relating to:
detector dog program training
operational and training aid control
occupational health and safety acts, regulations and guidelines
national and regional policies and procedures
procedural guides/standard operating procedures/work instructions
Information may include:
details of those searched
characteristics of persons of interest
points of origin
type and nature of goods
types of substances
Relevant information may include:
addresses
business cards
invoices/bills of lading/or other documents
letters
maps/charts
names
photographs
reasonable grounds for search
telephone numbers
any combination of the above
Relevant personnel may include:
intelligence
managers/supervisors
research and analysis
staff in other agencies
staff in other work areas
targeting and analysis
colleagues
employees of other agencies
training and analysis
Search may include:
a search with the detector dog and any follow-up search by the handler of the following:
small craft
commercial vessels
aircraft
cargo containers
cargo
vehicles
postal items
accompanied or unaccompanied baggage
premises
Risks may include:
methods of concealment
nature of packaging
occupational health and safety issues
types of goods (in particular, dangerous goods)
types of narcotics
workplace environment
time constraints
availability of resources for follow-up activities
strengths and weaknesses of individual detector dog teams
Relevant legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines may include:
enabling legislation, such as:
Customs Act 1901 and regulations
Quarantine Act 1908 and regulations
organisational policies and procedures, particularly those relating to:
detector dog program training
operational and training aid control
occupational health and safety acts, regulations and guidelines
national and regional policies and procedures
procedural guides/standard operating procedures/work instructions
Information may include:
details of those searched
characteristics of persons of interest
points of origin
type and nature of goods
types of substances
Relevant information may include:
addresses
business cards
invoices/bills of lading/or other documents
letters
maps/charts
names
photographs
reasonable grounds for search
telephone numbers
any combination of the above
Relevant personnel may include:
intelligence
managers/supervisors
research and analysis
staff in other agencies
staff in other work areas
targeting and analysis
colleagues
employees of other agencies
training and analysis
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:
PSPBORD304A Maintain detector dog proficiency
PSPETHC301B Uphold the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV301B Work effectively in the organisation
PSPGOV302B Contribute to workgroup activities
PSPGOV307B Organise workplace information
PSPLEGN301B Comply with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS301A Contribute to workplace safety.
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)
deployment of a detector dog in a range of (3 or more) contexts - re-qualification is periodically required
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to deployment of a detector dog
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when deploying detector dogs
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 deploying a detector dog, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
deployment of a detector dog in a range of (3 or more) contexts
periodic re-qualification
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:
case studies
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:
PSPBORD304A Maintain detector dog proficiency
PSPETHC301B Uphold the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV301B Work effectively in the organisation
PSPGOV302B Contribute to workgroup activities
PSPGOV307B Organise workplace information
PSPLEGN301B Comply with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS301A Contribute to workplace safety.
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)
deployment of a detector dog in a range of (3 or more) contexts - re-qualification is periodically required
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to deployment of a detector dog
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when deploying detector dogs
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 deploying a detector dog, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
deployment of a detector dog in a range of (3 or more) contexts
periodic re-qualification
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:
case studies
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWW56 | PSPBDR003 | Deploy detector dog | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J277 | PSP30212 | Certificate III in Government (Border Protection) | Qualification |