Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency involves using surveillance equipment during a surveillance operation.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Therefore it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.

Application of the unit 

Surveillance equipment includes radio communication equipment and electronic equipment used to record observations during the surveillance. It also involves being aware of the possible use by targets of counter surveillance technologies (scanners).

This competency is one in a series specialising in on-land surveillance. Other units include:

SFICOMP402C Plan the surveillance operation

SFICOMP404C Operate an observation post

SFICOMP405C Perform post-surveillance duties

SFICOMP406C Perform mobile surveillance.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Operate and maintain surveillance equipment

1.1. Surveillance equipment  is selected, operated and maintained according to jurisdictional policies , procedures and laws  and operational requirements .

1.2. Security of equipment and communications is maintained throughout the surveillance operation.

1.3. Photographs and video footage are produced that meet surveillance operational requirements.

1.4. Covert communication attachments are correctly connected, utilised and operated.

1.5. The possible use by subjects of scanner/interceptor equipment is identified and the appropriate response is made.

2. Participate in the establishment and use of surveillance communication protocols

2.1. Communications equipment appropriate to the transmission distances required for the surveillance operation is selected.

2.2. Radio communication channels appropriate to the surveillance operation are identified and used.

2.3. Secure coding equipment and secure transmission nodes are used appropriate to surveillance operational requirements.

2.4. Communication is clear, concise, accurate, timely and relevant using surveillance terminology as appropriate.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• using cameras and video equipment to produce photographs and video footage that meet surveillance operational requirements
• using communication equipment whilst undertaking surveillance operations.

Literacy skills used for :

• applying surveillance communication protocols
• maintaining a running sheet
• reading manufacturer guidelines for operating and maintaining surveillance equipment.

Numeracy skills used for :

• calculating time and distances
• establishing settings/channels used in camera work and communications.

Required knowledge 

• communication protocols
• evidentiary requirements
• film types and their application for a range of surveillance requirements
• legislative requirements relating to surveillance work and tendering evidence in court
• local knowledge relevant to surveillance operations
• maintenance requirements for surveillance equipment
• operational procedures for surveillance equipment
• surveillance methods.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit 

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• operate surveillance equipment to provide communications support to the surveillance operation
• record observations to a standard that meets surveillance objectives and jurisdictional evidentiary requirements.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

• communication protocols
• camera techniques.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment and should include the range of surveillance equipment used in the jurisdiction.

Resources may include:

• surveillance plan
• surveillance equipment required for surveillance method.

Method of assessment 

The following assessment methods are suggested:

• demonstration
• portfolio of photography and video footage
• questions.

Guidance information for assessment 

This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Surveillance equipment  may include:

• any equipment available in the operational circumstances, such as:

• CCTV equipment
• communications equipment
• infrared technology
• night vision technology
• other surveillance equipment:
• portable radio
• repeaters or any other communications device
• SLR camera
• tracking equipment
• vehicle radio
• video camera.

Jurisdictional policies , procedures and laws  may include:

• legal requirements for tendering surveillance product to a court
• legislation relevant to the agency and its officers in the performance of their duty
• occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines and procedures
• standard operational procedures (SOPs).

Operational requirements  may include:

• availability
• communications security
• location
• topography.

Unit sector 

Fisheries compliance

Co-requisite units 

Competency field