Assessor Resource

SFICOMP404C
Operate an observation post

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


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

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.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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.

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 sheetsare:

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.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
The aims and objectives of the operation are considered in the assessment of the suitability of potential observation posts. 
Contributions are made to the selection of an appropriate observation post. 
Liaison with other areas within the organisation and outside agencies is performed, as appropriate. 
Security issues are addressed when considering potential observation post sites. 
The subject's movements are covered through appropriate observation positioning. 
All legislative and procedural requirements are observed. 
Appropriate communication equipment is installed and operational. 
Appropriate recording facilities are established. 
The observation post is established covertly and securely. 
Occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements are understood and applied to the greatest extent possible during the surveillance operation. 
Appropriate security procedures are followed. 
Demeanour and dress are consistent with the environment. 
Surveillance positions are not compromised during arrival/departure from observation post. 
Equipment is concealed or disguised when being utilised in surveillance operations. 
Security of equipment and evidence and covert nature of the operation are maintained when observation post is not in use. 
All legislative and procedural requirements are observed. 
Counter-surveillancemeasures are recognised and applied, as appropriate. 
Anti-surveillance techniques are recognised and applied appropriately. 
The subject is properly identified. 
Accurate observations are made and appropriate records kept according to evidentiary requirements. 
Relevant recording procedures are used, such as running sheets, photographic or electronic equipment. 
Subject exit and entry points are identified. 
Running sheets are completed according to the prescribed format. 
Surveillance product is disseminated in a timely and acceptable manner, where required. 
The observation post site is cleared of agency surveillance presence. 
All equipment is accounted for and returned. 
Debriefing is undertaken as required. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SFICOMP404C - Operate an observation post
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

SFICOMP404C - Operate an observation post

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: