Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to conduct covert surveillance operations using mobile or static surveillance techniques on foot and while operating a vehicle. It includes selecting surveillance methods, equipment, sites and routes, and applying contingency options where surveillance integrity is compromised. The unit requires evidence collection and compliance with evidence management principles.

A person working at this level would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing tasks assigned to them without close supervision.

This unit forms part of the licensing requirements for people engaged in investigative services in some states and territories. For further information, check with the relevant regulatory authority.

Pre-requisite Unit

None.

Unit Sector

Investigative services

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

As well as the foundation skills explicit in the performance criteria of this unit, candidates require:

• reading skills to interpret information in diagrammatic formats, such as photographs maps when operating global positioning systems
• writing skills to describe surveillance observations using plain English and factual information.

Unit Mapping Information

Supersedes and equivalent to CPPSEC3030A Conduct surveillance.

Links

Companion volumes to this training package are available at the VETNet website - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=6f3f9672-30e8-4835-b348-205dfcf13d9b

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

To demonstrate competency, a candidate must meet the performance criteria of this unit by conducting three different covert surveillance operations, involving at least:

• one mobile or static surveillance operation using a vehicle
• one mobile or static surveillance operation on foot.

For each covert surveillance operation, the candidate must submit a daily observation sheet in the required format, and document details of:

• a circumstance where anti-surveillance techniques were identified and contingency action taken
• an unplanned contact that could have compromised the surveillance and how this was handled using previously planned pretext in accordance with legal requirements
• strategies implemented to gain and maintain personal endurance necessary for prolonged surveillance shift responsibilities to comply with work health and safety (WHS) requirements in two different operating environments while working alone
• two choices of observation posts selected to meet surveillance work instructions
• a description of the subject.

Knowledge Evidence

To be competent in this unit, a candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

• workplace policies and procedures that ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements when conducting covert surveillance operations:

• actions that may result in breach of confidence, privacy or other offence under legislation
• authorities and legal rights of investigators
• duties of the investigator to follow instructions, act in person and act in the interests of the client
• legislative restrictions on the use of recording devices
• requirements to notify authorities or property owners of surveillance operations
• rights of subjects including privacy and protection of reputation
• WHS requirements

• codes of conduct and types of investigative behaviours that are unethical, illegal or represent misconduct
• covert observation techniques
• methods for verifying the validity and reliability of information gathered by covert surveillance
• signs that surveillance operation has been compromised
• sources of surveillance evidence and methods for:

• collecting, preserving and presenting evidence
• ensuring continuity of evidence
• complying with evidence management principles

• techniques for skip tracing and sourcing background information on subjects
• types and purpose of equipment used when conducting covert surveillance operations:

• binoculars
• cameras
• communications equipment
• global positioning system
• laptop computers
• listening devices
• mirrors
• monopods or tripods
• personal protective equipment (PPE)
• power inverters
• recording devices
• telephoto lenses
• vehicles
• video cameras

• types of evidence:

• circumstantial
• direct
• documentary
• hearsay
• opinion
• physical

• typical hazards associated with covert surveillance and WHS control measures for each:

• prolonged static physical immobility: deep vein thrombosis, muscle strain, cramps, physical and mental fatigue and dehydration
• hot and cold environments.

Assessment Conditions

Assessors must meet the requirements for assessors contained in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations.

All individuals engaged by an RTO for investigations licensing purposes must hold the licence for performing the investigations activities for which the individual is providing training or assessment. Regulators may impose other assessor conditions to meet jurisdictional assessment requirements.

Assessment must be conducted in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment. Candidates must have access to:

• work instructions and associated documentation, PPE and surveillance equipment required to achieve the performance evidence.

Links

Companion volumes to this training package are available at the VETNet website - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=6f3f9672-30e8-4835-b348-205dfcf13d9b