This unit of competency has wide application in the security industry in those roles which involve the operation of electronic security systems. Competency requires legal and operational knowledge applicable to relevant sectors of the security industry. The knowledge and skills described in this unit are to be applied within relevant legislative and organisational guidelines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Prepare for operations.

1.1 Applicable provisions of legislative and organisational requirements relevant to assignment instructions are identified and complied with.

1.2 Assignment instructions and relevant information is obtained and verified with relevant persons..

1.3 Security systems are checked for correct operation in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

1.4 Faults or malfunctions in security systems are identified, corrected or reported for remedial action.

1.5 Security systems are cross-checked with companion monitoring systems to ensure accurate and consistent exchange of information.

1.6 Established communication channels and processes are verified with relevant persons.

2Monitor security activities.

2.1 Security systems are operated and monitored in accordance with assignment instructions.

2.2 Information conveyed by security systems is received and appropriate responses implemented as required in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.3 Regular and systematic checks are made with field staff and assistance is organised as required in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.4 Irregular or non-responses from field staff are identified and promptly responded to in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.5 Incidents are risk assessed on available information and response is implemented in accordance with organisational procedures.

3Maintain security systems and information.

3.1 Change of shift procedures are carried out and ensure system and monitoring continuity in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.2 Security database is updated in established styles and formats in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.3 Identified faults or deficiencies in security systems are corrected or reported for remedial action in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.4 Relevant documentation is completed and securely maintained with due regard to confidentiality.

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

Required skills

assess and implement appropriate response to received information

communicate in a clear and concise manner using appropriate terminology

estimate and calculate resource and assistance requirements

identify and diagnose faults or deficiencies in operation of security systems

interpret security codes and alarm signals

monitor, evaluate and interpret data and information

operate and maintain a range of security systems

prepare and present written and computer-based information

read and interpret technical data and specifications

risk assess incidents.

Required knowledge

approved communication terminology and codes and signals

back-up procedures

change of shift procedures

common faults and malfunctions in security systems

communication formats (high speed, contact ID etc)

difference between local and monitored alarms

different types of transmission methods (dialler, securitel etc)

emergency procedures

operational principles and functions of security systems and software and hardware

phonetic alphabet

problem solving strategies

procedures for preparation of surveillance footage

range of security risk or incident situations and appropriate response procedures implemented from a control room

reporting and documentation procedures

risk assessment methods

surveillance recording systems (digital and analogue) and interfaces

types of computer operating systems in use in a monitoring centre

types of detectors (PIR, dual tech etc).

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.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

operating electronic systems to conduct systematic monitoring activities in compliance with legislative requirements

diagnosing and rectifying faults or malfunctions in security systems or arranging repair or replacement

implementing and monitoring the routine hand-over of duties and accurately completing and maintaining documentation records

implementing appropriate contingency measures in the event of irregular or non-response from field staff

interpreting and evaluating security alarms and communication status signals as the basis for formulating and coordinating appropriate responses

using appropriate communication channels and techniques to accurately receive, interpret and relay information in both routine and non-routine circumstances.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment includes:

a setting in the workplace or environment that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range statement.

Resource implications for assessment include:

access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures

access to a registered provider of assessment services

access to a suitable venue and equipment

assessment instruments including personal planner and assessment record book

work schedules, organisational policies and duty statements.

Reasonable adjustments must be made to assessment processes where required for people with disabilities. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed using the following methods of assessment:

observation of processes and procedures

questioning of underpinning knowledge and skills.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and suitable to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the competency being assessed. In all cases where practical assessment is used, it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

Oral questioning or written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a choice between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

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.

Legislative requirements may relate to:

apprehension and powers of arrest

casinos

counter-terrorism

crowd control and control of persons under the influence of intoxicating substances

force continuum, use of force guidelines

gaming

general 'duty of care' responsibilities

inspection of people and property, and search and seizure of goods

licensing or certification requirements

privacy and confidentiality

relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation, codes and national standards for:

anti-discrimination

cultural and ethnic diversity

environmental issues

equal employment opportunity

industrial relations

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

relevant industry codes of practice

surveillance

telecommunications.

Organisational requirements may relate to:

access and equity policies, principles and practices

business and performance plans

client service standards

code of conduct, code of ethics

communication and reporting procedures

complaint and dispute resolution procedures

emergency and evacuation procedures

employer and employee rights and responsibilities

OHS policies, procedures and programs

own role, responsibility and authority

personal and professional development

privacy and confidentiality of information

quality assurance and continuous improvement processes and standards

resource parameters and procedures

roles, functions and responsibilities of security personnel

storage and disposal of information.

Assignment instructions may include:

assignment tasks

GPS monitoring

GSM monitoring

IT monitoring

medical monitoring

radio monitoring

incident and security risk response procedures

personal presentation requirements

personal protection equipment

reporting and documentation requirements

resource and equipment requirements.

Relevant information may include:

applicable legislation and codes of practice

field personnel schedules

manufacturer's specifications

operations manuals

organisational operating procedures and policies

security operational plans.

Relevant persons may include:

clients

emergency services personnel

field personnel

supervisor.

Security systems may include:

access control systems

acoustic sensors

alarms and signals (local and monitored)

analogue (VCR)

automatic entrance and exit devices

biometric devices

business equipment

closed circuit television

communication equipment

computers and networked systems

digital

electronic field detection systems

electronic screening equipment

infra-red sensors

intelligent building systems

intruder alarm systems

motion sensors

movement detectors

personal duress alarms

static alarms

video cameras and monitors

wide-angle cameras.

Companion monitoring systemsare:

parallel systems and may be

electrical monitoring systems

written record.

Communication channels and processesmay include:

direct line supervision paths

established communication protocols

formal communication pathways

lateral supervision paths

organisational communication networks

verbal and non-verbal communication procedures eg pro-words, phonetic alphabet, call signs, coded messages, use of abbreviations, hand signals.

Responsesmay include:

dispatching field support staff

notifying relevant emergency services agencies

notifying relevant personnel.

Documentationmay include:

activity logs

radio and telephone records

records of conversation

running sheets

security logs

security systems faults and diagnosis

situation reports

testing and inspection results

written and computer-based reports.

Unit sector

Security

Operations

This unit contains employability skills.