Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency involves selecting an observation post consistent with the surveillance tasking, operating the observation post in a manner consistent with the maintenance of the covert nature of the surveillance activity, recording observations, and closing down the observation post at the conclusion of the 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 

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

SFICOMP402C Plan the surveillance operation

SFICOMP403C Operate and maintain surveillance equipment

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. Participate in the selection of the observation post position

1.1. The aims and objectives of the operation are considered in the assessment of the suitability of potential observation posts .

1.2. Contributions are made to the selection of an appropriate  observation post.

1.3. Liaison  with other areas within the organisation and outside agencies is performed, as appropriate.

1.4. Security issues  are addressed when considering potential observation post sites.

1.5. The subject's movements are covered through appropriate observation positioning.

1.6. All legislative and procedural requirements  are observed.

2. Participate in the establishment of the observation post

2.1. Appropriate communication equipment  is installed and operational.

2.2. Appropriate recording facilities  are established.

2.3. The observation post is established covertly and securely.

2.4. Occupational health and safety  (OHS ) requirements  are understood and applied to the greatest extent possible during the surveillance operation.

3. Participate in the maintenance of the observation post

3.1. Appropriate security procedures  are followed.

3.2. Demeanour and dress  are consistent with the environment.

3.3. Surveillance positions are not compromised during arrival/departure from observation post.

3.4. Equipment is concealed or disguised when being utilised in surveillance operations.

3.5. Security of equipment and evidence and covert nature of the operation are maintained when observation post is not in use.

3.6. All legislative and procedural requirements are observed.

3.7. Counter -surveillance measures  are recognised and applied, as appropriate.

3.8. Anti -surveillance techniques  are recognised and applied appropriately.

4. Record observations

4.1. The subject is properly identified.

4.2. Accurate observations are made and appropriate records kept according to evidentiary requirements.

4.3. Relevant recording procedures are used, such as running sheets , photographic or electronic equipment.

4.4. Subject exit and entry points  are identified.

4.5. Running sheets are completed according to the prescribed format .

4.6. Surveillance product  is disseminated in a timely and acceptable manner, where required.

5. Close down the observation post

5.1. The observation post site is cleared of agency surveillance presence.

5.2. All equipment is accounted for and returned.

5.3. Debriefing is undertaken as required.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• contributing to planning and decisions
• liaising with others in the organisation and outside agencies
• observing and analysing
• planning for contingencies
• reading maps
• sharing information with team members
• using communication equipment
• using video and photographic equipment
• working in a team.

Literacy skills used for :

• maintaining a running sheet.

Numeracy skills used for :

• counting, calculations involving time, distances and/or quantities
• estimating height, weight and number of people
• estimating size of people and/or product.

Required knowledge 

• evidentiary requirements
• jurisdictional policies, procedures and laws
• local knowledge relevant to surveillance operations
• operational procedures for surveillance equipment
• surveillance and counter-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:

• select, operate, maintain and close down an observation post as part of a work team.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

• jurisdictional policies, procedures and laws relevant to surveillance operations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment is to be conducted at an observation post or in a simulated work environment.

Resources may include:

• surveillance plan
• surveillance equipment required for surveillance from an observation post
• work and team leader.

Method of assessment 

The following assessment methods are suggested:

• observation of demonstration
• oral questions
• analysis of running sheet
• evidence obtained as a result of surveillance.

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.

Observation post  is:

• the covert and static position used for the observation of the surveillance subject.

An appropriate  site for an observation post is:

• a covert, functional and secure location that provides adequate observation of surveillance subject.

Liaison  may include:

• appropriate collection and dissemination of information within the organisation and to outside agencies.

Security issues  include:

• considering the physical security of the observation post through research of the observation post and the surrounding occupants to maintain integrity of surveillance activity.

Legislative and procedural requirements  will include:

• legal requirements for tendering surveillance reports to a court
• legislation relevant to jurisdiction and its officers in the performance of their duty
• standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Communication equipment  is:

• any equipment available in the operational circumstances and may include:

• any other communication device suitable for the surveillance, including in relation to security of messages
• hand-held and vehicular radios
• mobile phones
• repeaters.

Recording facilities  may be established for the purpose of:

• documenting running sheets or logs
• using electronic recording equipment.

OHS requirements  may include:

• interpretation and application of OHS law, policy, guidelines and procedures.

Security procedures  may include:

• the appropriate application of counter and anti-surveillance techniques
• the physical security of the observation post, its occupants and equipment while maintaining its covert nature.

Demeanour and dress  is:

• appropriate to the situation, location and environmental conditions.

Counter -surveillance measures  are:

• techniques employed to identify and counteract surveillance without detection, such as:

• acting naturally
• counter-surveillance routes
• developing and using area familiarisation.

Anti -surveillance techniques  are:

• techniques employed to identify surveillance.

Running sheets are :

• surveillance logs in the prescribed format.

Exit and entry points  are the:

• avenues open to a subject to arrive at or depart a specified location.

Prescribed format  means:

• a format accepted by the agency and that conforms to evidentiary requirements.

Surveillance product  is:

• information collected because of a surveillance operation and which has been collated and analysed, as appropriate, to suit the needs of the surveillance objective.

Unit sector 

Fisheries compliance

Co-requisite units 

Competency field