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Academus Training Institute

CPPSEC2106 – Protect Self and Others Using Basic Defensive Techniques

DEFENSIVE SKILLS UNIT

This unit focuses on the skills and knowledge required for security officers to protect themselves and others using safe and controlled defensive techniques in security situations.

It involves applying workplace procedures and legal requirements to ensure that any use of force is reasonable, proportionate, and within limits of authority.

The unit strongly emphasises safety, control, lawful action, and professional judgement when responding to threatening or physically challenging situations.

Learners are Trained to

Core Skills
✅ Identify potential threats and assess the level of risk
✅ Apply conflict management and de-escalation techniques before using force
✅ Give clear verbal warnings to prevent escalation
✅ Select appropriate response or withdrawal options
✅ Use basic defensive techniques to restrain, control, or escort a person safely

Unit Emphasis

Safety First
✔ Minimising the use of force
✔ Prioritising safety of all persons involved
✔ Acting within legal and professional boundaries
✔ Maintaining duty of care at all times

This unit applies to individuals working under general supervision as part of a security team and is a critical unit for roles involving physical interaction, such as crowd control and removal of persons.

What You Will Learn

In this unit, you will learn how to:

  • Recognise situations that may require defensive action
  • Use basic defensive techniques to protect yourself and others
  • Apply the use of force in a lawful and controlled way
  • Maintain personal safety during physical situations
  • Use communication to prevent or reduce conflict
  • Identify risks such as positional asphyxia and other safety concerns
  • Monitor the condition of a person after restraint

Why This Unit Is Important

Security officers may be required to deal with aggressive or violent behaviour. It is important that you protect yourself and others from harm, use force only when necessary, avoid causing injury, and follow legal and workplace requirements.

This unit helps you respond safely and professionally in high-risk situations.

What You Need to Understand

  • When it is appropriate to use defensive techniques
  • The importance of using minimum and reasonable force
  • The risks associated with physical restraint
  • Signs of distress, injury, or medical emergency
  • Your legal responsibilities and limits of authority
  • The importance of duty of care during and after an incident

How You Will Be Assessed

  • Demonstrate defensive techniques in practical scenarios
  • Show safe and controlled use of force
  • Respond appropriately to aggressive behaviour
  • Maintain safety for yourself and others
  • Follow workplace procedures

This unit requires practical demonstration, not just written answers.

What Is Expected From You

  • Follow all safety instructions carefully
  • Participate actively in practical training
  • Respect others during training activities
  • Act responsibly and professionally
  • Use techniques only as instructed
  • Maintain control at all times

Important Safety Principles

  • Use force only when necessary
  • Use the minimum force required
  • Stop using force when the threat is controlled
  • Protect the safety of everyone involved
  • Monitor the person after restraint
  • Report all incidents

How This Applies to Real Work

This unit prepares you for roles such as:
Security Guard Crowd Controller Event Security Officer Patrol Officer
In these roles, you may need to manage aggressive behaviour and protect people safely.

Key Message

This unit teaches you how to protect yourself and others safely and legally. A good security officer uses control, judgement, and responsibility when dealing with physical situations, always focusing on safety and professionalism.

Security Discussion Revision
Hard Discussion Revision

Security Operations: Removal, Arrest, Restraint and Risk

Scenario-based discussion questions covering anti-discrimination, duty of care, WHS, emergency communication, use of force, dynamic risk assessment, intoxication, mental health indicators and positional asphyxia.

75 discussion questions
Click a card to reveal the answer
Designed for formative revision