Other Projects & Case Studies
Certificate III in Community Safety Patrol: Draft 2 Validation Open
SkillsIQ, under the direction of the Community Sector and Development Industry Reference Committee (IRC), has undertaken a project to develop a new qualification, Certificate III in Community Safety Patrol.
SkillsIQ, under the direction of the Community Sector and Development Industry Reference Committee (IRC), has undertaken a project to develop a new qualification, Certificate III in Community Safety Patrol.
These services may include safety patrols, outreach services, community liaison and support roles or community networking programs in relation to specific initiatives. The Draft 1 qualification was proposed as a Certificate III in Community Safety Patrols and aligned to Community Safety Patrol job roles such as a Day Patrol Officer, Night Patrol Officer and Youth Patrol Officer - These officers assist vulnerable people, refer them to other services for ongoing assistance, ensure children and youth are safe, and work in partnership with local police to adhere to the requirements of the criminal justice system. They promote and raise awareness of community safety in the community.
During Draft 1 consultation the development of a national qualification was strongly supported on the basis of providing an appropriate focus on the skills and knowledge required in a broad range of community safety service functions . There was a strong view that the role was not only about “patrol” activity and that different communities have different challenges, and a breadth and range of issues apply to community safety roles. Outreach and liaison functions as well as community involvement were highlighted as significant in bringing direct benefits as well as broader benefits in community relationships. The distinction from security, judicial or case management functions was also highlighted.
Employment opportunities in local communities will be enhanced by a national qualification which provides a clear pathway supporting skills development specifically aligned with the functions of community safety services.
Background
Previous nationally accredited courses aligned to Community Night and Safety Patrol roles. Extensive consultation by ISACNT with community groups, industry, government and other key stakeholders in 2018 saw great support for the courses. The existing accredited course will expire in June 2021.
Although the previous accredited courses have been implemented in the Northern Territory, the concept of community safety patrols is no longer unique to the Northern Territory and it is envisaged that a national qualification can address the skills needs of local community members involved in a range of community safety service roles. These roles have significant aspects of trust and cultural understanding at their core and can be instrumental in addressing issues with appropriate support before they escalate into more complex circumstances. There are now Community Patrol and Community Safety Service Programs in place in other States and Territories, including Queensland, WA and SA, where the organisations involved in implementation have been supportive of developing a national qualification to provide a clear pathway supporting skills development specifically aligned with the functions of community safety to better meet the requirements of these job roles.
Project Governance
The Community Sector and Development IRC is comprised of a number of key expert stakeholders within the industry, as follows:
In addition to the draft 1 consultation feedback and submissions, a Technical Advisory Committee and interviews with a range of stakeholders with direct experience with Community Safety Patrols and related services have informed the development of Draft 2 training package products.
Project Status – Draft 2 – Now open for validation
Draft 2 is now open for Validation.
National consultation for Draft 2 is open from Monday, 12th April 2021 to Friday, 30th April 2021 (3 weeks). During this period input will be sought on the following Training Package Products:
- One new qualification – Certificate III in Community Safety Services
- One new unit – Work effectively in Community Safety Services.
Draft 2 material is available for comment on the SkillsIQ Online Feedback Forum. A Validation Guide summarising the changes made between Draft 1 and Draft 2 is included in the material and can be downloaded at the bottom of the Feedback Forum page.
