Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:40 PM AWST
22/07/2026 4:40 PM 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.
Control security risk situations using firearms
Control security risk situations using firearms
Unit of competency
National Code
CPPSEC3008A
CPPSEC3008A
State Code
D1409
D1409
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
31/10/2008
Field of Education
091105 - Police Studies
Original Release Date
31/10/2008
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to determine when to use a firearm to respond to a life threatening situation. It requires the ability to analyse risk factors and intentions of persons and to maintain and store firearms and ammunition in accordance with legislative requirements. This unit may form part of the licensing and legal requirements for the use of firearms by persons working in the security industry in those states and territories where these are regulated activities.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Maintain firearm safety.
- 1.1 Applicable provisions of legislative and organisational requirements relevant to the use of firearms are identified and complied with.
- 1.2 Carriage of firearm is secure, protected, accessible in accordance with organisational procedures.
- 1.3 Firearm ammunition is obtained appropriate to firearm type and complies with manufacturer's instructions.
- 1.4 Protective equipment is selected and used in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.
- 1.5 Pre-operational checks of firearm are carried out to ensure safe and continuing operation of firearm.
- 1.6 Checks and procedures for the handling, transfer and loading or unloading of firearm are completed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions with due regard to the safety of self and others.
2Draw firearm.
- 2.1 The need and opportunity to present firearm is assessed and evaluated against identified risk factors and alternative response options.
- 2.2 Personal safety needs are identified and assistance sought as required from relevant persons.
- 2.3 Communication is maintained with subject and reflects sensitivity to individual social and cultural differences.
- 2.4 Interpersonal techniques are used to ensure instructions are clear, justified and in accordance with legislative requirements.
- 2.5 Firearm is drawn in a positive and controlled manner in accordance with organisational procedures.
3Discharge firearm.
- 3.1 Personal positioning and stance ensures that handling and grip is secure to maintain control of firearm.
- 3.2 Threat is continually monitored and assessed to evaluate response options.
- 3.3 Tactical positioning during incident is fluid and uses available cover and protection.
- 3.4 Discharge of firearm is determined as only reasonable option to remove the threat in identified life-threatening situations.
4Evaluate firearm use.
- 4.1 Presentation and discharge of firearm is reviewed and evaluated against circumstances of the incident.
- 4.2 Incident observations are provided accurately and constructively.
- 4.3 Review findings identify areas for improvement and recommendations for amendment of response procedures are provided for future practice.
- 4.4 Firearm is inspected and faults are identified and reported in accordance with organisational procedures.
- 4.5 Relevant documentation is completed and securely maintained with due regard to confidentiality in accordance with legislative requirements.
- 4.6 Effects of stress and other issues related to own well-being are recognised and managed using appropriate stress management techniques.
RANGE STATEMENT
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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.
Legislative requirements may relate to:
apprehension and powers of arrest
Australian standards and quality assurance requirements
counter-terrorism
crowd control and control of persons under the influence of intoxicating substances
force continuum, use of force guidelines
general 'duty of care' responsibilities
inspection of people and property, and search and seizure of goods
licensing or certification requirements
privacy and confidentiality
relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation, codes and national standards for:
anti-discrimination
cultural and ethnic diversity
environmental issues
equal employment opportunity
industrial relations
OHS
relevant industry codes of practice
trespass and the removal of persons
Weapons Acts and regulations.
Organisational requirements may relate to:
access and equity policies, principles and practices
business and performance plans
client service standards
code of conduct, code of ethics
communication and reporting procedures
complaint and dispute resolution procedures
emergency and evacuation procedures
employer and employee rights and responsibilities
OHS policies, procedures and programs
own role, responsibility and authority
personal and professional development
privacy and confidentiality of information
quality assurance and continuous improvement processes and standards
resource parameters and procedures
roles, functions and responsibilities of security personnel
storage and disposal of information.
Firearmmay be:
revolver
semi-automatic pistol
shotgun.
Protective equipmentmay include:
body armour
bullet proof vest
fire proof clothing
gloves
head protection
hearing protection
masks
protective shields
safety glasses
slash proof gloves.
Pre-operational checksmay include:
checking log books and maintenance schedule
cleaning, priming, tightening, basic repairs and adjustments
identification and segregation of unsafe or faulty equipment for repair or replacement
observing and monitoring for correct operation
visual checks for wear and tear.
Assessmentmay involve an analysis of:
access to weapons
available resources and team backup
known information about people involved in the incident
known information about the circumstances of the incident
nature of the incident
observation of the environment and physical conditions
potential and triggers for escalation or defusing
range of response options available
safety of self and others.
Personal safetyneeds may include:
access to emergency services
access to specific security equipment
additional training
appropriate vehicle
clarification of own responsibility and competence
maintaining regular communication
personal protective equipment
provision of back-up support
working in a team.
Relevant personsmay include:
colleagues
emergency services personnel
medical personnel
specialist teams
supervisor.
Social and cultural differencesmay relate to:
dress and personal presentation
food
language
religion
social conventions
traditional practices
values and beliefs.
Interpersonal techniques may involve:
active listening
being non-judgemental
being respectful and non-discriminatory
control of tone of voice and body language
cultural awareness and sensitivity in use of language and communication
demonstrating flexibility and willingness to negotiate
effective verbal and non-verbal communication
maintaining professionalism
providing and receiving constructive feedback
providing sufficient time for questions and responses
reflection, summarising and paraphrasing
two-way interaction
use of plain English
use of positive, confident and cooperative language.
Tactical positioningmay include:
ability to move between cover
access to cover or concealment
capacity to reload or unload with speed loaders or magazines
capacity to withdraw
safety of self and others
stances (eg standing, kneeling, prone).
Discharge:
must be in accordance with relevant state and territory regulatory or licensing requirements relating to accuracy and course of fire.
Commonfaultsmay include:
mechanical failure
misfiring
misuse
non-inspection of firearm prior to loading.
Documentationmay include:
activity logs
incident reports
request for assistance forms
vehicle and personnel movements
written and electronic reports.
Effects of stressmay include:
frustration
inability to concentrate
increasing aggression
over-talking
tiredness
uncoordinated movements.
Stress management techniquesmay include:
conscious use of personal recreational activities
counselling
formal debriefing processes
informal exploration of incidents with team members and supporters
review of practice and resources.
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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.
Legislative requirements may relate to:
apprehension and powers of arrest
Australian standards and quality assurance requirements
counter-terrorism
crowd control and control of persons under the influence of intoxicating substances
force continuum, use of force guidelines
general 'duty of care' responsibilities
inspection of people and property, and search and seizure of goods
licensing or certification requirements
privacy and confidentiality
relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation, codes and national standards for:
anti-discrimination
cultural and ethnic diversity
environmental issues
equal employment opportunity
industrial relations
OHS
relevant industry codes of practice
trespass and the removal of persons
Weapons Acts and regulations.
Organisational requirements may relate to:
access and equity policies, principles and practices
business and performance plans
client service standards
code of conduct, code of ethics
communication and reporting procedures
complaint and dispute resolution procedures
emergency and evacuation procedures
employer and employee rights and responsibilities
OHS policies, procedures and programs
own role, responsibility and authority
personal and professional development
privacy and confidentiality of information
quality assurance and continuous improvement processes and standards
resource parameters and procedures
roles, functions and responsibilities of security personnel
storage and disposal of information.
Firearmmay be:
revolver
semi-automatic pistol
shotgun.
Protective equipmentmay include:
body armour
bullet proof vest
fire proof clothing
gloves
head protection
hearing protection
masks
protective shields
safety glasses
slash proof gloves.
Pre-operational checksmay include:
checking log books and maintenance schedule
cleaning, priming, tightening, basic repairs and adjustments
identification and segregation of unsafe or faulty equipment for repair or replacement
observing and monitoring for correct operation
visual checks for wear and tear.
Assessmentmay involve an analysis of:
access to weapons
available resources and team backup
known information about people involved in the incident
known information about the circumstances of the incident
nature of the incident
observation of the environment and physical conditions
potential and triggers for escalation or defusing
range of response options available
safety of self and others.
Personal safetyneeds may include:
access to emergency services
access to specific security equipment
additional training
appropriate vehicle
clarification of own responsibility and competence
maintaining regular communication
personal protective equipment
provision of back-up support
working in a team.
Relevant personsmay include:
colleagues
emergency services personnel
medical personnel
specialist teams
supervisor.
Social and cultural differencesmay relate to:
dress and personal presentation
food
language
religion
social conventions
traditional practices
values and beliefs.
Interpersonal techniques may involve:
active listening
being non-judgemental
being respectful and non-discriminatory
control of tone of voice and body language
cultural awareness and sensitivity in use of language and communication
demonstrating flexibility and willingness to negotiate
effective verbal and non-verbal communication
maintaining professionalism
providing and receiving constructive feedback
providing sufficient time for questions and responses
reflection, summarising and paraphrasing
two-way interaction
use of plain English
use of positive, confident and cooperative language.
Tactical positioningmay include:
ability to move between cover
access to cover or concealment
capacity to reload or unload with speed loaders or magazines
capacity to withdraw
safety of self and others
stances (eg standing, kneeling, prone).
Discharge:
must be in accordance with relevant state and territory regulatory or licensing requirements relating to accuracy and course of fire.
Commonfaultsmay include:
mechanical failure
misfiring
misuse
non-inspection of firearm prior to loading.
Documentationmay include:
activity logs
incident reports
request for assistance forms
vehicle and personnel movements
written and electronic reports.
Effects of stressmay include:
frustration
inability to concentrate
increasing aggression
over-talking
tiredness
uncoordinated movements.
Stress management techniquesmay include:
conscious use of personal recreational activities
counselling
formal debriefing processes
informal exploration of incidents with team members and supporters
review of practice and resources.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:
applying correct procedures for selecting, fitting, using and maintaining protective equipment including body armour
demonstrating safe handling skills for use and maintenance of firearms
demonstrating effective empty hand techniques for firearms retention
identifying current and potential risk factors and their impact on the security risk situation
maintaining firearms licensing requirements
providing warnings and clear directions to subject using communication which engages minority groups
maintaining consistent accuracy when discharging firearm and reacting in a timely manner in the application and termination of force
evaluating and selecting response options within specified legal and strategic limits.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment includes:
a setting in the workplace or environment that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range statement.
Resource implications for assessment include:
access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures
access to a registered provider of assessment services
access to a suitable venue and equipment
assessment instruments including personal planner and assessment record book
work schedules, organisational policies and duty statements.
Reasonable adjustments must be made to assessment processes where required for people with disabilities. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.
Method of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed using the following methods of assessment:
observation of processes and procedures
questioning of underpinning knowledge and skills.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and suitable to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the competency being assessed. In all cases where practical assessment is used, it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.
Oral questioning or written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a choice between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:
applying correct procedures for selecting, fitting, using and maintaining protective equipment including body armour
demonstrating safe handling skills for use and maintenance of firearms
demonstrating effective empty hand techniques for firearms retention
identifying current and potential risk factors and their impact on the security risk situation
maintaining firearms licensing requirements
providing warnings and clear directions to subject using communication which engages minority groups
maintaining consistent accuracy when discharging firearm and reacting in a timely manner in the application and termination of force
evaluating and selecting response options within specified legal and strategic limits.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment includes:
a setting in the workplace or environment that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range statement.
Resource implications for assessment include:
access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures
access to a registered provider of assessment services
access to a suitable venue and equipment
assessment instruments including personal planner and assessment record book
work schedules, organisational policies and duty statements.
Reasonable adjustments must be made to assessment processes where required for people with disabilities. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.
Method of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed using the following methods of assessment:
observation of processes and procedures
questioning of underpinning knowledge and skills.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and suitable to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the competency being assessed. In all cases where practical assessment is used, it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.
Oral questioning or written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a choice between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3787 | PRSSO310A | Control security risk situations using firearms | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAP89 | CPPSEC3114 | Control security risk situations using firearms | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W973 | CPP30411 | Certificate III in Security Operations | Qualification |