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Minor Group

442 Prison and Security Officers

ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations
Reference period
2021
Released
23/11/2021

442 Prison and Security Officers

Prison and Security Officers supervise and control the activities of inmates in correctional institutions, and provide security and investigative services to organisations and individuals.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

  • AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3); or
  • AQF Certificate II or III, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4); or
  • AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education (ANZSCO Skill Level 5)

In New Zealand:

  • NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3); or
  • NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4); or
  • NZQF Level 1 qualification, or compulsory secondary education (ANZSCO Skill Level 5)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. In the case of some Skill Level 5 occupations, a short period of on-the-job training may be required in addition to or instead of the formal qualification, or no formal qualification or on-the-job training may be required.

Tasks Include:

  • observing the conduct and behaviour of prisoners to prevent disturbances and escapes
  • supervising prisoners during work assignments, recreational periods, sporting activities and meals
  • patrolling and guarding properties, and checking for unauthorised entry
  • providing armed escort for the transport of cash and other valuables
  • maintaining order at venues where there are large gatherings of people
  • conducting investigations for clients
  • advising clients on security requirements and recommending and designing security specifications
Unit Group

4421 Prison Officers

Prison Officers supervise and control the activities of inmates in prisons and other correctional institutions.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

  • AQF Certificate II or III (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

In New Zealand:

  • NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

At least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks Include:

  • observing the conduct and behaviour of prisoners to prevent disturbances and escapes
  • inspecting and maintaining the security of locks, window bars, grilles, doors and gates
  • supervising prisoners during work assignments, recreational periods, sporting activities and meals
  • assisting with the implementation of education, rehabilitation and other programs organised for prisoners
  • searching prisoners and cells for weapons, drugs and other contraband items
  • patrolling assigned areas and reporting breaches of rules, unsatisfactory attitudes and prisoner adjustment problems
  • requisitioning prisoners' clothing, toiletries, reading material and other allowable items
  • supervising prisoners in transit between courts, prisons and other facilities

Occupation:

  • 442111 Prison Officer

442111 Prison Officer

Alternative Title:

  • Correctional Officer
  • Corrections Officer

Supervises and controls the activities of inmates in a prison or other correctional institution.

Skill Level: 4

Specialisation:

  • Custodial Officer
Unit Group

4422 Security Officers and Guards

Security Officers and Guards provide security and investigative services to organisations and individuals.

Indicative Skill Level:

The occupations Crowd Controller, Private Investigator and Security Officer have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

  • AQF Certificate II or III, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

In New Zealand:

  • NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

The occupations Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor, Armoured Car Escort, Retail Loss Prevention Officer and Security Officers and Guards nec have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

  • AQF Certificate I or compulsory secondary education (ANZSCO Skill Level 5)

In New Zealand:

  • NZQF Level 1 qualification or compulsory secondary education (ANZSCO Skill Level 5)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. In the case of some Skill Level 5 occupations, a short period of on-the-job training may be required in addition to or instead of the formal qualification, or no formal qualification or on-the-job training may be required.

The occupation Security Consultant has a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

  • AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:

  • NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks Include:

  • patrolling property and checking doors, windows and gates for unauthorised entry
  • watching for irregularities such as fire hazards, malfunctions of machines and equipment, lights left on, leaking water pipes and unlocked security doors
  • issuing security passes to authorised visitors and giving directions
  • monitoring alarms and contacting supervisors, police and fire brigades by radio or phone if security is breached or fire is detected
  • picking up and ensuring the safe delivery of cash, payrolls and valuables
  • operating coin and currency counting machines, and carrying out cash counting and packaging functions
  • maintaining order at venues where there are large gatherings of people
  • conducting investigations for clients and preparing evidence for court proceedings
  • detecting and investigating theft and other unlawful acts carried out in retail establishments
  • advising clients on security requirements and designing security specifications

Occupations:

  • 442211 Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor
  • 442212 Armoured Car Escort
  • 442213 Crowd Controller
  • 442214 Private Investigator
  • 442215 Retail Loss Prevention Officer
  • 442216 Security Consultant
  • 442217 Security Officer
  • 442299 Security Officers and Guards nec

442211 Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor

Monitors security alarms, CCTV and other surveillance equipment, and contacts supervisors, police or fire brigades if security is breached or fire is detected. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 5

442212 Armoured Car Escort

Provides armed escort for transportation and delivery of cash and other valuables. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 5

442213 Crowd Controller

Alternative Title:

  • Bouncer

Carries out crowd control duties at entertainment, sporting or recreational venues. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 4

442214 Private Investigator

Alternative Title:

  • Private Inquiry Agent

Conducts investigations for clients and prepares evidence for court proceedings. Registration or licensing is required.

Skill Level: 4

442215 Retail Loss Prevention Officer

Detects and investigates shoplifting, fraud and other unlawful acts of employees or customers of a retail establishment. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 5

442216 Security Consultant

Advises clients on security requirements, and recommends and designs security specifications. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 3

442217 Security Officer

Alternative Title:

  • Security Guard

Patrols and guards industrial and commercial property, railway yards, stations and other facilities. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 4

Specialisations:

  • Mobile Patrol Officer
  • Railway Patrol Officer

442299 Security Officers and Guards nec

This occupation group covers Security Officers and Guards not elsewhere classified. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 5

Occupations in this group include:

  • Bodyguard