SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Use tactical options for small team tactical operations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115339  Use tactical options for small team tactical operations 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Visible Policing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 2004-12-02  2007-12-02  SAQA 1057/04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-12-02   2011-12-02  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for policing officials who need to assess information, plan, prepare, implement, manage, and report on small team tactical options conducted during medium risk tactical crime combating operations. Such officials will also brief and debrief officers who take part in the operations. This unit standard will contribute towards compliance with tactical, - legal - and organisational requirements applicable to the selection, execution and first line management of tactical options for small team tactical operations.

Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Conduct an Observation and/ or Reconnaissance Operation as Tactical Option
  • Conduct Waylay Operations As Tactical Option
  • Conduct A Follow -Up Operation As Tactical Option
  • Apprehend Or Search Violent Suspect(s) on Premises

    This unit standard envisage providing the learner with foundational knowledge and skill required to confidently and competently select, implement and manage the most appropriate tactical option(s) for a specific small team tactical operational context.

    The execution of tactical options by the learner will be acceptable to both the community and the SAPS. Qualifying learners will:
  • Contribute to the improved safety of members participating in the execution of the tactical options;
  • Ensure command, control and liability for execution of the tactical option in a specific operational context.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of any learner within the safety in society environment and more especially within the policing environment by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the field. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the safety in society environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Communication skills at NQF level 4.

    The standard is for all first line operational line managers entering into small team tactical operations. The assumption is made that the learners possess all the competencies required to conduct functional policing tasks.

    It is assumed that learners engaging in a learning intervention designed for this unit standard are familiar with the following:
  • The unit standard: Use of force
  • The unit standard: Management of Tactical Operations
  • Immediate Reaction Drills applicable to tactical operations.
  • The unit standard: Tactical Movement
  • The unit standard: Map Reading
  • The unit standard: Use of Primary Weapons
  • Arresting techniques and procedures
  • The use of tactical equipment in support of achieving the outcomes specified in this unit standard
  • Tactical communication (Verbal and Non-verbal)
  • Crime Scene Preservation 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard applies to persons coordinating and supervision officials with a level of authority that will allow them to take decisions independently.

    Tactical options for small team operations include: observation and reconnaissance; waylay operations, follow-up operations, and the apprehension of violent suspects. The use of tactical options for crime prevention and the execution of high risk warrants, hostage situations or any other situation where specialised equipment or training is required to handle the operational situation is excluded from this unit standard.

    Operational context refers primarily to medium risk tactical crime combating operational situations consisting of public disorder, disaster, riots and intelligence driven medium risk operations that may be executed as small joint operations with other Law Enforcement Agencies, Departments, in urban or rural environments. The operational context is applicable to tactical small team operations. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Conduct an observation and reconnaissance operation as a tactical option. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Observation and reconnaissance are two separate tactical options which are/ can be integrated by the operational context. The operational assessment will determine the extend to which such tactical options will be integrated in the operational context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All equipment required for the operation is available, in good working order and under control of a member who is qualified to use it. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Equipment includes, but is not limited to, the following: GPS, arial maps, geographical maps, binoculars, night vision equipment, cellular phones, hand radios, gilly nets, camouflaged clothing, weapons, and personal armaments. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The principles of tactical approach and movement are applied when moving to and from the designated location. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Designated location refers to primary observation posts, secondary observation posts, rendezvous points, covert temporary bases. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Security of the operation is not breached during tactical insertion, the conducting of observation and/ or reconnaissance task(s), or during tactical withdrawal. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Access and escape routes in the area of observation and/ or reconnaissance, are identified and monitored. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Immediate action drills are executed when security is breached. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Alertness is maintained throughout the observation and/ or reconnaissance. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Alertness refers to the application of use of force principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Detailed information concerning the target or target area is chronologically recorded, documented and communicated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
  • Target refers to, but is not limited to, the following: Buildings, persons, suspects, vehicles and occupants entering or exiting into the target area.
  • Target area refers to, but is not limited to, the immediate surroundings, routes, terrain, and area of operations surrounding the target.
  • Information gathered during observation and/ or reconnaissance are reported and recorded on an observation & reconnaissance log.
  • Information documented on persons includes, but is not limited to, the following:
    Race, gender, age, height, hair colour, clothing, habits, identification marks such as tattoos, disabilities, friends, visitors, weapons on person, times entering and exiting the target area, names of known individuals.
  • Information documented on vehicles include, but is not limited to, the following: amount, make, colour, model, year of manufacture, distinctive marks, number of occupants, place of storage, time entering and exiting the target area, content of the vehicle(s) etc.
  • Information documented on buildings include, but is not limited to, the following: location, security features, access routes, points of access (doors, windows, drains etc.) blind corners, type of buildings, amount of buildings, building layout (interior and exterior) etc. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Communication is maintained between the reconnaissance team, observation team, support team, and tactical team /arrest group to ensure co-ordination. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Communication refers to the use of verbal communication (radio communication, sitreps etc.) and non-verbal communication (electronic communication, hand signals etc.) 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The observation team, guided by the tactical team to the target. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Conduct a waylay operation as a tactical option. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The insertion and positioning of the team is conducted in such a way that the element of surprise is maintained for object(s) entering the arrest area. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Insertion can be done by means of chopper, the use of ropes, the use of vehicles, the use of boats, on foot etc.
    During the insertion consideration is displayed for the principles of cover and concealment, tactical movement, tactical communication, tactical approach, and the operational plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tactical groups are deployed according to operational plan to support the arrest and apprehension of suspects. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    A tactical group refers, but is not limited to, reserve-, arrest-, alarm-, stopper- and observation groups. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The safety for the members is not compromised before, during or after the operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Attention is given to shooting arcs, the optimal use of high ground, and arrest techniques and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Tactical groups deploy on the go-ahead signals as stipulated in the operational plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The identified suspects are apprehended in line with the requirements of the law, organisational policy, public acceptability, and arresting techniques and - procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Immediate action drills are executed when security is breached. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Evidence is protected, documented and seized in such a way that it will be usable as authentic evidence in court. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Attention is given to crime scene preservation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conduct a follow up operation as tactical option. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Members are mobilised with appropriate equipment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Appropriate equipment refers, but is not limited to, the following: Personal armaments, primary weapons, uniform, sundries, topographical maps, GPS, binoculars, night vision equipment, pyrotechnical aids, mobile radios, range finders, photographic equipment etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The crime scene is tactically approached along a pre-determined route to maintain the element of surprise. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The crime scene is contained, protected and preserved. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    All principles of crime scene handling and preservation are adhered to. Possible witnesses, evidence, and tracks are identified and/ or preserved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A JOC is established to coordinate operational actions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    All resources are identified, mobilised and optimally structured according to the principles of operational management, to optimise coordination of the tactical groups. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Tactical groups in the context of follow up operations refer, but are not limited to: Tracker groups, cutt off groups, advance groups, observation groups, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    All marks and tracks are searched for and identified by trackers/ dog handlers to determine the direction of flight and particulars of suspects. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The safety of members is ensured by the use of appropriate formations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Appropriate formations refer to formations used with consideration for the operational assessment conducted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Tactical groups follow tracks along the identified direction of flight without disturbing such tracks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Cover and support are provided to trackers by tactical groups, the JOC, and where appropriate, air support. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Immediate action drills are executed when security is breached. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Communication is maintained between all tactical groups involved in the follow up. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    The identified suspects are apprehended in line with the requirements of the law, organisational policy, public acceptability, and arresting techniques and - procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Manage operations to apprehend or search violent suspect(s) on premises and objects. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Premises refers, but is not limited to: Houses, tribal villages, multiple storey buildings, temporary residential structures, businesses, farms, office buildings, and industrial buildings.
    Objects refers, but is not limited to: Vehicles, caravans, boats, trains, busses, trucks, taxi's etc. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Exclude barricaded and hostage situations, situations where specialised equipment and or training is needed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The operation is mandated by a warrant of arrest or other legal circumstances. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The team is divided in small sections under well co-ordinated control. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Small sections refer, but are not limited to, the following: Penetration teams, isolation teams, window teams, Illumination teams, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The premises/object is approached in team context without compromising the security of the operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    During the approach consideration is displayed for the principles of cover and concealment, tactical movement, tactical communication, tactical approach, and the operational plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The premises/object is isolated and contained so that no person(s) can enter or leave the area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Access is safely and lawfully gained to the premises/ object. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Suspect(s) is apprehended, detained and handed over to relevant parties of investigation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Consideration must be displayed for the unit standard on the use of force legislative stipulations pertaining to arrest and organisational policies and requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The scene is protected to prevent contamination of evidence before handing over to other disciplines of investigations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    All round defence is maintained until the scene had been cleared and withdrawal has been finalised. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Safety awareness and alertness must be maintained throughout the operation. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA
    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA
    3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Information Gathering processes.
  • Priorities and objectives of the SAPS.
  • Assessment methods and processes.
  • Decision-making models (IODA LOOP).
  • Tactical options for policing and crowd management.
  • Limitation of the various tactical options.
  • Structure of the operational plan.
  • Limitations of available means for tactical police operations.
  • Prescriptions pertaining to the organisational guidelines on financial management.
  • Writing of operational concepts.
  • Requirements of briefing procedures and the use of facilitation equipment.
  • Requirements of the standard and structure for contingency plans.
  • Knowledge of the requirements of the JOC structure and responsibilities of the various role players.
  • Application of the principles for tactical operations.
  • Advantages of using a tactical operations board for the management of operations.
  • Map reading and orientation for the management of tactical operations and.
  • Capabilities of external role players.
  • Structures and procedures of the NOCOC and JOCCOM.
  • Know the definitions and abbreviations for tactical police operations.
  • Debriefing processes of operations and of members suffering from posttraumatic stress.
  • Structures for the debriefing of members and managers involved with tactical operations.
  • Organisational procedures and orders pertaining to the administrations of operations.
  • Knowledge of cover, concealment and tactical movement when planning the operations 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    The following critical outcomes are addressed in this unit standard
  • Information evaluation.
  • Leadership in managing operations
  • Ethical conduct. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems using critical thinking. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork is applied to reach the objective of the operations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organization and management. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary information

    Specified requirements
    Specified requirements include legal and legislative specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:
    Legal
    I. Legality:
  • The Bill of Human Rights. [Sec. 10,14,36]
  • The Road traffic Act. [Act 29 of 1989 Sec 11]
  • The Criminal Procedure Act. [Act 51 of 1977 Sec 20,21,22,23]
  • The Police Act [Act 68 of 1995 Sec 13(1)(3)(a)(b)(8)(d)(e)(f)(g)
  • The Principles of community Policing.
  • The Constitution [Act 108 of 1996 Sec 205(3)(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)

    2. A glossary of terms about the terminology of
    Context specific

    Acronyms
    JOCC Joint Operational Command Centre

    Descriptions
    A breach in security
    Refers to an operational condition where the security of the tactical team or tactical operation is jeopardized. Such a breach will include, but is not limited to, the following:
  • When the tactical team is confronted
  • When the position and presence of the tactical groups is compromised
  • When tactical groups are lead into an ambush
  • When a member of the tactical team is injured
  • When information pertaining to the operation was leaked 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  48865   National Diploma: Policing  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2007-12-02  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.