Page 4 of 4
Title / Demonstrate and apply knowledge of operational and legal issues related to Customs search warrants
Level / 5 / Credits / 8
Purpose / People credited with this unit standard are able to: demonstrate knowledge of legislative and regulatory powers when working with Customs search warrants; make an application for a Customs search warrant; prepare to execute a search warrant as a Customs officer; and execute a search warrant in accordance with organisational requirements.
Classification / Public Sector Services > Border Management
Available grade / Achieved
Entry information
Recommended skills and knowledge / Recommended: Unit 18643, Demonstrate knowledge of the powers of a Customs officer; or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.
Explanatory notes
1 Legislation, policies and procedures relevant to this unit standard include:
Customs and Excise Act 1996;
New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990;
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act 1989;
Misuse of Drugs Act 1975;
Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 1978;
Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992;
The State Services Code of Conduct, Standards of Integrity and Conduct (available from www.ssc.govt.nz);
New Zealand Customs Service Code of Conduct (available from NZ Customs Service, PO Box 2218, Wellington 6140, www.customs.govt.nz).
2 Definitions
Customs Computer System is the term used to describe the Customs technology system. Customs Computer System is a complex computer system that receives a wide range of Customs data, and provides a mechanism for the processing of passenger, goods and Customs information. This system may also be known as CusMod.
Organisational requirements refer to instructions to staff on policies, procedures, and methodologies which are documented and are available in the workplace. They must be consistent with applicable legislation and any other applicable compliance requirements.
3 Competency and skills of this standard cannot be fully demonstrated under simulated conditions.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Demonstrate knowledge of legislative and regulatory powers when working with Customs search warrants.
Evidence requirements
1.1 The conditions and limitations of an entry and search under warrant are explained in terms of section 168 of the Customs and Excise Act 1996.
Range reasonable time, use of reasonable force, inform the person of their rights.
1.2 The conditions applicable to entering buildings are explained in terms of section 173 of the Customs and Excise Act 1996.
1.3 The conditions and limitations of emergency warrants are explained in terms of section 171 of the Customs and Excise Act 1996.
Outcome 2
Make an application for a Customs search warrant.
Evidence requirements
2.1 The process for making a search warrant application is completed in terms of section 167 of the Customs and Excise Act 1996.
Range reasonable grounds to believe, offence or offences alleged, in prescribed form.
2.2 The warrant application process is completed in accordance with legislative requirements.
Outcome 3
Prepare to execute a search warrant as a Customs officer.
Evidence requirements
3.1 Search warrant is obtained.
3.2 Planning of the search warrant execution is completed.
Range includes but is not limited to – assess and check information, reconnaissance of target property, briefings.
3.3 Tactics to be used in the execution of the warrant are identified in accordance with organisational requirements.
3.4 Briefing of all persons involved during the execution of the warrant is given in accordance with organisational requirements.
Outcome 4
Execute a search warrant in accordance with organisational requirements.
Evidence requirements
4.1 The premises for which the search warrant is sanctioned are entered and contained.
4.2 Responsibilities in terms of sections 168-170 of the Customs and Excise Act 1996 are complied with.
4.3 Requirements under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 are discharged.
4.4 Health and safety procedures during a search warrant execution are followed.
Range includes but is not limited to – environmental hazards, wearing stab resistant body armour, dealing with suspects, use of safety footwear and gloves.
4.5 Team debrief is completed.
4.6 Reporting requirements are met.
Range includes but is not limited to – warrant usage, job sheets, Customs Computer System.
Status and review information
Registration date / 16 July 2010Date version published / 16 July 2010
Planned review date / 1 February 2015
Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP) reference / 0121
This AMAP can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA, or an inter-institutional body with delegated authority for quality assurance, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Consent requirements and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP). The AMAP also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact The Skills Organisation if you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
The Skills OrganisationSSB Code 100401 / Ó New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2012