Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency involves performing mobile surveillance using foot, vehicle and alternative surveillance techniques. Alternative surveillance techniques include aerial and electronic surveillance, surveillance in remote areas and surveillance from/on public transport.

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

SFICOMP404C Operate an observation post

SFICOMP405C Perform post-surveillance duties.

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. Maintain mobile surveillance 

1.1. The subject is properly identified.

1.2. Officer and equipment are selected and prepared appropriate to the environment  in which surveillance will be undertaken.

1.3. Surveillance of the subject is maintained according to operational requirements at all times.

1.4. The subject's movements are monitored under all conditions through appropriate observation positioning, including covering exit and entry points  to the area.

1.5. Communications techniques and equipment  are used according to operational requirements.

1.6. Running sheets  are completed in the prescribed format and include accurate descriptions of subjects, vehicles and location.

1.7. Equipment and evidence is kept secure  during the surveillance operation.

2. Maintain covert nature of surveillance operation

2.1. The covert nature  of the surveillance is maintained using techniques appropriate for foot and /or vehicle surveillance .

2.2. Surveillance positions are not compromised by the movement of officers during the period of observation.

2.3. Officers performing foot surveillance are recovered without compromise.

2.4. Equipment and documentation are concealed or disguised during surveillance operation.

3. Respond to changes in surveillance operation

3.1. Appropriate search techniques are applied following loss of subject.

3.2. The need for counter -surveillance  and/or anti -surveillance techniques  is recognised and appropriate actions selected and applied.

3.3. Timing and position of changeovers  are managed to control surveillance of subject, security of officers and to ensure the covert nature of the operation.

3.4. The need for alternative surveillance techniques  is identified and requested

3.5. Static surveillance positions are appropriately utilised to support mobile surveillance operation as determined by the surveillance plan or in response to changing requirements of the current operation.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• analysing information related to surveillance activity
• communicating within an operational context and authority of position
• interpreting and drawing maps
• observing surveillance subject
• planning for contingencies
• sharing information with team members
• using communication equipment under operational conditions
• using foot surveillance skills under operational conditions
• using surveillance driving skills under operational conditions
• using surveillance technology, such as cameras, video and communication equipment
• using technical skills relating to operation of surveillance equipment
• working as part of a team.

Literacy skills used for :

• analysing information
• interpreting and drawing maps
• maintaining a running sheet.

Numeracy skills used for :

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

Required knowledge 

• evidentiary requirements
• jurisdictional policies, procedures and laws
• local knowledge relevant to surveillance operations
• surveillance methods
• use of surveillance equipment.

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 ability to:

• work with a team to carry out covert surveillance by applying vehicle and/or foot surveillance techniques under operational conditions.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Resources may include:

• surveillance equipment relevant to vehicle and foot surveillance
• surveillance plan (real or case study)
• running sheets
• work team.

Method of assessment 

The following assessment methods are suggested:

• analysis of running sheet
• oral questions
• observation of foot and vehicle surveillance techniques used in workplace or simulated situations.

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.

Mobile surveillance  may be:

• from vehicle
• from vessel
• on foot
• a combination of these methods.

Appropriate to the environment  means taking into consideration:

• location (e.g. city, beach, hotel, rural town and remote area)
• selection of vehicle and any equipment being used as part of the cover
• situation, including mode of dress
• the aim/objective at the time.

Exit and entry points  are:

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

Communication techniques and equipment  relate to:

• appropriate selection and use of communication equipment
• use of appropriate terminology.

Running sheets  are:

• a surveillance log in the prescribed format.

Secure  means:

• preventing the loss of equipment and unauthorised access to communications.

Covert nature  means:

• the subject or members of the public are unaware of the surveillance activity.

Appropriate techniques for foot surveillance  may include:

• appropriate control and use of movements and equipment so as to maintain the covert nature of the surveillance
• appropriate positioning to observe the subject taking into account topography, location, cover and exit points the subjects could use
• effective teamwork.

Appropriate techniques for vehicle surveillance  may include:

• appropriate control and discretion of vehicle movements
• methods of vehicle interception so as to maintain the covert nature of the surveillance
• selection of vehicle positions
• the use of multiple vehicles
• vehicles will be driven according to traffic regulations.

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.

Changeovers  refer to:

• the movement of officers between surveillance duties.

Alternative surveillance techniques  may include:

• aerial and electronic surveillance
• public transport
• surveillance in a remote area.

Unit sector 

Fisheries compliance

Co-requisite units 

Competency field