Application
This unit applies to individuals in a range of regulatory work environments who are authorised to conduct surveillance under the enabling legislation. They are required to plan, carry out and complete surveillance operations which may be overt or covert and undertaken under different operational conditions.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Plan surveillance | 1.1 The purpose and outcomes of the surveillance are established in consultation with stakeholders, and authority to conduct surveillance is obtained in accordance with organisational policy and procedures 1.2 Location and timeframe are determined in accordance with the purpose and outcomes 1.3 Resource requirements are determined and arranged in accordance with surveillance plan and budgetary constraints 1.4 Requirements for technical specialists are determined and arranged in accordance with organisational procedures 1.5 Operation is planned in accordance with organisational guidelines to meet legislative and other requirements and public sector standards 1.6 Surveillance plan is prepared detailing key activities, roles, responsibilities, risk management and contingency planning, and takes into account covert nature of the operation and security requirements for those involved |
2. Carry out surveillance | 2.1 Identities of surveillance subject/s are confirmed and the surveillance operation is conducted in accordance with the surveillance plan 2.2 Factors affecting achievement of surveillance outcomes are identified promptly and variations to the surveillance plan are authorised to cater for the unexpected 2.3 Alternative plans are implemented in cases where operational integrity is threatened or compromised and a report is provided on the reasons and justification for the decision 2.4 Surveillance operation is conducted in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures 2.5 Personal conduct and manner is maintained in accordance with code of conduct and organisational requirements |
3. Complete surveillance operation | 3.1 Surveillance information is obtained and documented in accordance with organisational/client requirements and the surveillance plan 3.2 Information and other materials are secured and maintained in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements 3.3 Equipment, film and audio are stored in accordance with technical requirements and security procedures 3.4 Outcomes are presented in the required medium, format, style and structure suitable for review and interpretation to meet organisational requirements 3.5 Operational inadequacies in the surveillance process are documented and reported to inform future practice in accordance with organisational requirements |
Required Skills
This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Skill requirements Look for evidence that confirms skills in: planning surveillance undertaking contingency planning undertaking risk assessment in the context of surveillance operating technical equipment using information technology to record information and prepare reports completing reports using formality of language and structure exchanging often complex oral information in a form to suit diverse audiences responding to diversity, including gender and disability applying public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environmental procedures in the context of surveillance |
Knowledge requirements Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of: legislation, policies and procedures relating to surveillance organisational guidelines international treaties and protocols cross-jurisdictional protocols link between surveillance operation, organisational strategic objectives and national strategic objectives security constraints public sector legislation and standards equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles occupational health and safety and environmental considerations to ensure the safety of self and others |
Evidence Required
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms consistency of performance in conducting surveillance. This will include evidence of: Conducting at least three actual or simulated surveillance activities on three separate occasions or for three different situations/contexts. adhering to legal, ethical and organisational requirements relating to surveillance operations. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure access to a real or simulated workplace environment that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered while conducting surveillance, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine. Access is required to resources such as: applicable legislation, policies and procedures case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of requirements for situations likely to be encountered surveillance equipment and resources generally found in an operational environment |
Method of assessment | Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit of competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of: case studies demonstration observation written or oral questions scenarios simulation or role plays authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses |
Guidance information for assessment | Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as: people with disabilities people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people women young people older people people in rural and remote locations |
Range Statement
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here. | |
Purpose of surveillance may include | security fraud control information intelligence evidence gathering a particular target |
Surveillance outcomes may include | deterrence improved security prosecution |
Surveillance may be: | overt covert under different operational conditions under different operational methods |
Stakeholders may include | other agencies as clients other agencies as interested parties management security staff fraud control officers whistleblower/s |
Resources may include: | personnel transport photographic equipment sound recording equipment video recorders scanners computers short-wave equipment satellite radar night vision equipment infrared equipment tracking equipment communication equipment counter surveillance equipment |
Technical specialists may include: | photographers forensic experts government security experts specialist investigators agency officers |
Legislative and other requirements may include: | organisational policy, procedures and protocols international treaties and protocols cross-jurisdictional protocols organisational strategic objectives national strategic objectives privacy legislation freedom of information legislation occupational health and safety legislation environment legislation government security legislation |
Public sector standards may include: | fraud investigation standards protective security standards public sector code/s of conduct |
Surveillance information may include: | written oral electronic |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Competency Field
Regulatory.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.