Unit of competency Outline

Information current as of
14/09/2026 6:39 AM AWST

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Coordinate police search and rescue operations

Coordinate police search and rescue operations

Unit of competency
National Code
POLSAR022
State Code
OFK80
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Pending
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
30/07/2026
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
Original Release Date
30/07/2026
Nominal Hours
Field of Education
091105 - Police Studies
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and implement search and rescue (SAR) operations, as well as coordinate SAR resources and employ media strategies. This unit applies to police staff undertaking police SAR coordination duties. The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to resource procurement, stakeholder and family liaison and work health and safety (WHS). Those undertaking this unit would work within multi-agency teams and often liaise with stakeholders. They would make decisions independently while remaining accountable, as well as demonstrate the ability to display adaptability and situational awareness. They would perform a range of complex tasks across a broad range of contexts, either in the field or within police station/office environments. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
General notes
N/A
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for SAR operations
  • 1.1 Identify requirements for a coordination centre/forward command post to facilitate effective management of SAR operation
  • 1.2 Assess environmental factors to determine impact on SAR operation
  • 1.3 Determine search patterns in accordance with environmental factors
  • 1.4 Assess resources required to undertake SAR operations based on information about environmental factors
  • 1.5 Identify role and capabilities of external SAR authorities and/or agencies to assist in SAR operation
  • 1.6 Develop rescue plan to assist in managing SAR operation
  • 1.7 Develop contingency plans to account for dynamic circumstances
  • 1.8 Review feasibility of plan in accordance with resource availability/ capability and SAR mission
  • 1.9 Evaluate plan continually taking into account environmental context and nature of SAR incident.
  • 1.10 Assess resource requirements for protracted operations.
2. Implement SAR plan
  • 2.1 Calculate probability of detection to assess effectiveness of the SAR plan
  • 2.2 Apply search techniques to support SAR operation
  • 2.3 Liaise with stakeholders to ensure effective coordination of resources
  • 2.4 Assess timeframe for survival of subject(s) based on specialist medical advice
  • 2.5 Evaluate SAR plan implementation continually to maximise probability of detection
  • 2.6 Modify SAR plan in accordance with dynamic circumstances
  • 2.7 Continuously assess incident to determine if handover to another SAR authority is required
  • 2.8 Facilitate family liaison to ensure next of kin are briefed
  • 2.9 Maintain critical decision records for accountability purposes
  • 2.10 Identify follow-on actions required for ongoing coordination of SAR operation.
3. Coordinate resources
  • 3.1 Coordinate assets through delegation of roles and responsibilities
  • 3.2 Assess capabilities of assets to allocate taskings and search areas
  • 3.3 Monitor completion of tasks to ensure safety and task compliance
  • 3.4 Monitor welfare and support requirements of SAR members in accordance with health, safety and wellbeing practices
  • 3.5 Facilitate resupply of resources to support SAR operations.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
ODO01 POLSAR012 Coordinate police search and rescue operations Unit of competency
No information