Elements and Performance Criteria

Procedures will include references to:
offender property;
search of offenders;
authorisations to search;
incident recording and reporting;
handling, security and storage of unauthorised property;
prohibited, restricted and unauthorised material;
testing such as urine sampling;
prison visits and search of visitors;
requirements for strip searches including gender restrictions;
occupational health and Safety policies;
code of conduct;
principles of duty of care and humane care;

Environment and property will include relevant selections from:
accommodation;
special locations such as kitchens, recreation, clinics, education centres;
personal possessions;
deliveries;
grounds;
equipment/machinery/appliances;
inside and outside the correctional facility.

Search of people will include the relevant requirement to search based on authorisations from the following:
offenders;
visitors;
public;
colleagues;
support staff;
high risk offenders;
offenders from different cultural practices;
in locations outside the correctional facility.

Types of searches will include the method relevant to selections from the following situations:
cell search;
vehicle search;
mail search;
baggage search;
search of equipment/machinery/appliances;
pat search;
strip search;
routine or special search of property;
electronic screening.
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Search equipment will include examples from:
protective gear and equipment;
probes;
mirrors;
restraint equipment;
authorised evidence containers;
sample containers.

Competency in the unit will be demonstrated through performance in the range of applications required by the work site and the defined work role and responsibilities.
Evidence must include observation in the workplace and performance in a simulated environment.
Assessment of this unit will be based on evidence drawn from a combination of:
Knowledge testing and simulation exercises conducted in a training program.
Knowledge testing through questioning on performance and contingency scenarios.
Observation of performance in routine workplace activities where possible.
Documentation and products produced as part of routine and unpredictable work activities.
Observation and documentation from specially conducted assignments based on routine and special work requirements.
Observations from supervisors, colleagues and specialists.

Key Evidence Requirements
This unit requires evidence of the following:
knowledge and application of organisation policy and procedures related to searches;
knowledge of statutory requirements and duty of care (KC Information);
communication skills and techniques demonstrated under pressure (KC Communication);
knowledge of evidence protection and handling;
identification of all prohibited objects/substances and all possible concealment (KC Problem solving);
using safe, thorough and effective search techniques (KC Planning and organising);
using ethical and humane interactions with all people involved in searches;
using information which is accurate, clear and readily understood (KC Information).

Knowledge
This unit requires assessment of knowledge of the following :

the organisation's policies and procedures related to conducting searches and the identification and confiscation of unauthorised and illegal objects and substances;
occupational health and safety policies relevant to hazards associated with searches;
communication principles relevant to promoting cooperation and understanding, cultural impact and dealing with conflict;
the organisation's requirements for reporting and recording offender and security information;
code of conduct;
principles of duty of care and human treatment.