Elements and Performance Criteria

Office equipment should cover the complete range of general administrative equipment normally found in Police Stations may include
computer systems for document production
data storage and retrieval
typewriters
printers/photocopiers
facsimiles
filing cabinets

Maintenance/service tasks may include
use of computer covers and cleaning equipment
changing ink/toner cartridges in printers/photocopiers
installing paper and fax rolls
clearing paper jams

Security procedures for ensuring security of documentation and equipment may include
access restrictions to equipment through passwords
log-in codes
equipment locks
restricted areas

Breakdowns and faults to be considered may include
computer system software/hardware failures
physical damage to equipment
poor print quality
and may require reporting to the organisation's 'IT Helpline' or the officer delegated to handle such matters

Communication equipment may include
police radios (mobile and 'in car')
'in car' computer systems
loud hailers/PA systems
telephones (fixed and mobile)

Appropriate language
Appropriate language is that language style sanctioned by an organisation via its operational procedures manual

Interview and evidence-recording equipment may include
audiotape recorders
video cameras and recording equipment
SLR cameras authorised by the organisation for the purposes of recording interviews, statements. etc that can be tendered as evidence
In some organisations interview and evidence recording equipment may also include basic fingerprinting equipment. Use of the equipment should also cover the authorisation, storage and filing of tapes/film (original and duplicates)

Accoutrements may include
standard/general issue batons
handcuffs
service revolver/pistols and other organisationally sanctioned/legal personal protection devices such as Oleo-Capsicum Sprays

Due consideration and regard may include
quick and accurate analysis of the situational risks present
quick and accurate analysis of the risks arising from the application of available/potential response strategies
determining and implementing the response that will maximise the safety and security for all concerned

Basic safety equipment in the context of this unit may include
wet weather and protective clothing including reflective safety vests
rubber gloves
protective glasses
riot shields/helmets and face masks, etc.,
light wands, portable flashing lights, reflective and illuminated signs, hand held spotlights
safety barriers, 'witches hats' and may be used in a variety of incident settings such as: traffic accidents, hazardous material spillages, etc
crowd control at sporting events, rallies, demonstrations, blockades, etc.,
mobile RBT stations, mobile vehicle inspection/search sites, etc
in support of other emergency service agencies such as at natural disasters, fires

Computer applications may include
specific computer applications
word processing
data entry and/or retrieval such as NEPI or COPS

Vehicle preparation includes
checking the vehicle for safe operation
ensuring appropriate equipment is available
checking emergency equipment is operational

Environmental considerations may include
terrain
weather conditions
traffic density
lighting
road surface

Vehicle sympathy may include
vehicle movements are within limitations and in line with manufacturer's specification

Critical aspects of evidence
It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in observance of all safety principles for self and others
Equipment is used in accordance with organisational policies and procedures and manufacturer's guidelines and complies with OH&S legislation

Interdependent assessment of Unit
Pre-requisite: Nil
Co-requisite: Nil

Underpinning knowledge
jurisdictional laws, policy and procedures covering the use of administrative and operational equipment
required document layouts, styles and filing mechanisms
organisational computer systems/document security system requirements
the organisation's radio communication call signs, codes and phonetic alphabet
the legal parameters and organisational policies governing the 'use of force' and 'use of lethal force'
the various types of equipment maintenance logs/damage reports required and when they must be completed
the safety practices that must be followed when using police equipment

Underpinning skills
using office equipment to produce, file, send/receive and secure documents, reports, proformas, maintenance/usage logs
using all types of commonly available police communications equipment
using audio and visual recording to produce evidence that is acceptable in courts
using accoutrements/appointments to resolve situations
deploying safety equipment at accident, crime, incident or other emergency situations
undertaking routine equipment maintenance
maintaining a professional safety first attitude to the use of police equipment
applying driving skills, ie. system of car control, pull push steering

Resource implications
Access to equipment identified within the Range of Variables
Access to weapons firing ranges

Consistency in performance
Evidence of competency in this unit will need to be gathered over time and from across a range of simulated or actual workplace situations

Context of assessment
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environment. In the case of weapons and 'use of force' equipment, assessment should be undertaken in simulated workplace settings