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

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-surveillancemeasures 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

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 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.

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.

Unit sector

Fisheries compliance

This unit contains employability skills.