Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to perform mobile surveillance covertly on a subject.

Application of the Unit 

This unit is applicable to workers within the intelligence environment.

Application of this unit involves driving safely while using appropriate vehicle surveillance techniques.

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Pre-requisite Unit /s 

Nil

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Drive while performing covert surveillance duties 

1.1 Surveillance vehicle is driven and manoeuvred safely in all locations and conditions in accordance with organisational requirements

1.2 Traffic conditions are monitored and acted upon to enable safe operation in accordance with organisational requirements

1.3 Safe and smooth driving is maintained while communicating with the surveillance team

1.4 Surveillance driving techniques are adapted to varying surveillance environments 

1.5 Driving standards and manoeuvres that do not draw attention to the surveillance vehicle are employed

2. Employ vehicle surveillance techniques 

2.1 Dress , appearance  and props  appropriate to the surveillance environment are chosen

2.2 Range of plausible cover stories  appropriate to appearance and the surveillance environment are used to enhance effectiveness

2.3 Cover , distance  and timing  are used to minimise the risk of exposure and to maintain contact with the subject

2.4 Appropriate techniques are used to communicate  covertly

2.5 Surveillance equipment carried is concealed or disguised to prevent compromise and exposure

2.6 Appropriate search techniques to relocate the subject are applied after losses

2.7 Surveillance vehicle is driven, parked or positioned to maintain contact with the subject while minimising the risk of compromise

2.8 Operatives are concealed within vehicles to minimise the risk of compromise

3. Make effective covert transitions 

3.1 Static positions are strategically chosen to optimise coverage of the subject during transitions

3.2 Vehicle surveillance is performed to effectively support foot surveillance

3.3 Transitions between vehicle and foot surveillance are performed in a timely manner

3.4 Vehicle positions are chosen to allow for covert recovery of members performing foot surveillance

4. Gather intelligence and evidence 

4.1 Surveillance techniques  are employed to collect intelligence and evidence covertly during vehicle surveillance

4.2 Intelligence and evidence is gathered and maintained in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

• analyse situations to identify appropriate choice of surveillance equipment, cover story, props and observation posts or surveillance distance
• communicate effectively (present information, report and record information and advise stakeholders)
• design and conduct briefings/debriefings to operatives, case officers and key stakeholders
• develop a range of plausible cover stories and dress, and behave appropriately in a covert surveillance operation
• drive under a range of operational conditions
• maintain situational awareness to interpret and analyse data and situations
• perform a range of verbal and non-verbal communications and use appropriate body language
• use and adapt cover props

Required Knowledge 

• anti-surveillance techniques
• counter surveillance techniques
• current public interest immunity provisions
• ethical practice and cultural issues relevant to surveillance operations
• foot surveillance systems
• functions, limitations and effectiveness of props
• organisational policies and procedures regarding the vehicle surveillance
• range of surveillance and public vehicles
• relevant occupational health and safety (OH&S) issues relating to the surveillance role
• resources available to support the surveillance operation
• role and function of other agencies that conduct surveillance
• security issues and classifications
• surveillance principles and techniques
• theory and practice of cover, distance and timing
• traffic rules and regulations

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• drive while performing covert surveillance duties
• employ vehicle surveillance techniques
• make effective covert transitions
• gather intelligence and evidence.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated surveillance context.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed over time in a range of workplace or simulated surveillance situations.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• vehicle
• surveillance equipment.

Method of assessment 

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

• direct observation
• interviewing the candidate
• journals and workplace documentation
• third party reports from supervisors
• written or oral questions.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised  wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Surveillance environments may include 

Effect of weather on roads

Motorways traffic pattern and density

Narrow spaces

Road surfaces

Rural roads

Urban roads

Visibility

Dress may include 

Bland design and colour

No distinct markings

Suitable for the environment externally or internally fitted tracking devices

Appearance needs to 

Be appropriate to the environment

Fit the cover story

Props may include 

Briefcase

Business dress

Newspapers

Worker's clothes

Worker's implements

Surveillance environments may include 

Daylight and night time

Public and other legally accessible places

Public transport

Quiet and busy streets

Rural areas

Suburban areas

Cover stories need to be 

Able to undergo scrutiny

Appropriate to the environment

Plausible

Relevant

Vague (in order to prevent further interest)

Cover may include 

Buildings

Doorways

Line of sight (obscure in relation to the target)

Parked vehicles

Pedestrians

Distance may include 

Appropriate to available cover

Appropriate to environment

Appropriate to pedestrian density

Timing may include 

Approach to and dealing with hazards

Carrying out a manoeuvre

Entering a building

Leaving a building

Communication may include 

Body language

Covert radio usage

Hand signals

Mobile telephone

Public telephone

Surveillance techniques may include 

Boxing

Other road users

Other team members

Parallel routes

Single crewed

Stationary vehicles

Topography

Technically assisted