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Operational Decision-making and Incident Response unit (CPS111)

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Unit year 2027

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Location: Online

Introduction

This unit explores decision-making in operational environments during a range of public safety contexts. You will consider decision-making during micro-level interpersonal frontline personnel public encounters through to emergency responses. You will examine theoretical frameworks of operational decision-making, the role of discretion in decision-making at all levels in frontline, operational public safety, and models of incident response. You will explore case studies involving independent constabulary authority, mandatory arrest in domestic violence, public order, and emergency response. Further, you will be introduced to concepts about militaristic decision-making models, command and control, and 'sideways management’, and their application to operational decision-making and incident response.

Summary

Unit name Operational Decision-making and Incident Response
Unit code CPS111
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
School of Paramedicine and Public Safety
Discipline Policing and Emergency Management
Coordinator Doctor James Dwyer
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Online Semester 1 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/02/2027 16/03/2027 19/04/2027 13/06/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Justify a proportionate public safety response to a defined incident using structured risk assessment, relevant authority and ethical reasoning.
  • Examine how discretion, governance and accountability constrain or enable operational authority in public safety incident responses.
  • Analyse incident complexity, potential impacts and response priorities using research evidence

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
091105 $2,253.00 $1,057.00 not applicable $2,361.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

1 x 1 hour lecture, weekly.
1 x 30 minutes discussion forums, weekly.
1 x 1 hour drop in sessions, weekly
8 x hours of independent learning, weekly.

AssessmentIssue Rapid Review (25%)|Research Essay (35%)|Viva voce (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.