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: 

Move tactically with a service dog 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120465  Move tactically with a service dog 
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  15 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 is for service dog handlers in the field of Safety in Society who need to execute policing functions and tasks with service dogs in dangerous situations.

Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Assess the situation in a controlled scenario.
  • Move tactically in an urban environment in a controlled scenario.
  • Cross obstacles with climbing techniques in a controlled scenario.
  • Utilize a service dog for its purpose of application as an aid to achieve the intended objective. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication NQF 4
  • Mathematical Literacy NQF 4
  • Caring for the welfare of a service dog NQF Level 3
  • Supervision of service dogs in a kennel environment NQF Level 4 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Wherever the term policing is used in this unit standard it should be regarded to have the following meaning: inclusive rather than exclusive and includes reference to all fields of safety and security, sovereignty of the state and law enforcement. Movement takes place with a service dog that reacts to the handler's commands in a tactical situation. Tactical situation may refer to robberies, crime scenes, crowd management. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Assess the situation in a controlled scenario. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Threat is determined in order to inform decision-making. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Threat may refer to but is not limited to the crime that was committed, the presence of the suspect, bystanders and infrastructure of building.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Options are considered in order to select subsequent action. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Options may refer to but are not limited to back-up, immediate actions, tactics, and safety factors.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Legal aspects are explained in terms of its impact and influence in a structured scenario. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Legal aspects may refer to but are not limited to Chapter 2: Bill of Human Rights as described in the Constitution, Criminal Procedure Act, Organisational policies and procedures, Animal Protection Act.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Route is determined to ensure own safety and preserve the element of surprise. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety may refer to special considerations, use of cover, concealment, time, danger zones, safety of oneself and safety of service dog.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Move tactically in an environment in a structured scenario. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Movement may take place with Personal Protection Equipment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Environment must include at least one of either urban or rural environments. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal equipment is selected according to suitability and use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment may include but is not limited to sidearm and Personal Protection Equipment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Dog handling equipment needed for the preparation of a service dog in tactical operations is selected according to suitability and use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Dog equipment may include but is not limited to body armour, harness, leash.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Cover is used optimally to contribute towards own safety and safety of others. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Cover also includes concealment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Danger zones are tactically negotiated to contribute towards own safety and safety of others. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Danger zones may include but are not limited to: windows, open areas, stairs, doors, and rooms.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Control is exercised over the service dog in tactical situations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Control may refer to:
  • On/off leash or verbal and non- verbal commands.

    Tactical situations may refer to but are not limited to:
  • Smoke, gunfire, crowd management etc.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Element of surprise is maintained in order not to compromise it during movement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Maintain may include the use of the following:
  • Optimal use of shadows.
  • Silhouette forming is prevented.
  • Peeping around objects is practiced before moving into new area.
  • External noise is utilized to compliment movement.
  • Personal equipment is secured to prevent noise.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Communication between team members is maintained to achieve control and goals of the situation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Communication may include:
  • Hand signals and verbal communication and radio equipment.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Utilize a service dog for its purpose of application as an aid to achieve the intended objective. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Purpose of application as an "aid" may refer to the training that the dog has received such as patrol dog, sniffer dog etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The use of a service dog in a structured situation is justified in terms of the legal framework. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Legal framework also includes organizational prescripts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Safety precautions are adhered to within a structured scenario. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety may include:
  • Safety of oneself, other persons and service dog.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of the dog is demonstrated when applied for its intended purpose. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Purpose may include the searching for and apprehension of a suspect, searching for and finding illegal substances.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Procedures relating to the use of the service dog are followed in the structured scenario. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures may include the arresting and handling of suspects, handling of illegal substances, handling of exhibits, handling of dangerous objects or substances, handling of injured people, in accordance with The Constitution, Legal prescripts, Organizational policy and procedures.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Cross obstacles using tactical techniques to ensure own safety and safety of others. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Cross obstacles include both handler and dog. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tactical techniques for the crossing of obstacles are demonstrated in a structured scenario. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Techniques may refer to climbing techniques and crawling techniques.
  • Tactical techniques for the crossing of obstacles are selected in terms of their suitability in a controlled scenario.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Silhouette forming is minimized during the execution of the tactical technique. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safety is maintained during the execution of the tactical technique. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Assess situation
  • Determining threat
  • Safety of self and others
  • Legal aspects are evaluated include but not limited
  • Use of cover, concealment, time, and danger zones
  • Tactical movements related to urban environments
  • Tactical movements related to the use of a trained service dog.
  • Use equipment including side arm, body armor and piro- techniques
  • Preparation principles related to service dog for tactical movement
  • Use of dog equipment and communication techniques
  • Climbing techniques
  • Encouragement techniques
  • Verbal commands or hand signals
  • Principles of tracking
  • Tactical formations
  • Concealment and camouflage
  • Terminology on techniques of tactical movement
  • Use of force principles and safety principles applicable to tactical movement.
  • Supportive tracking formations
  • Criminal Procedure Act, No. 51 of 1977 (section 20-23, 25-28, 30, 39-40, 43, 48-50)
  • Constitution of South Africa Act, No. 106 of 1996 (section 10, 12, 14, 21, 25, 205(3))
  • Judicial matter second amendment Act 122 of 1998 (which replace section 49 of the CPA, No. 51 of 1977)
  • Animal Protection Act No 71 of 1962 section 2.1(a), (c), (d), (f), (i), (m), (n), (q) and (r) 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  50102   National Certificate: Dog Handling  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  61729   National Diploma: Policing  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    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.