Elements and Performance Criteria

The range of variables places the competency in context and allows for differences between enterprises and workplaces, including practices, knowledge and requirements. The range of variables also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole. The following variables may be present.

Observation post:
The covert and static position used for the observation of the surveillance subject.

Appropriate:
A covert, functional and secure location that provides adequate observation of surveillance subject.

Liaison:
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 include:
· legislation relevant to jurisdiction and its officers in the performance of their duty
· standard operating procedures
· legal requirements for tendering surveillance reports to a court.

Communication equipment:
Is any equipment available in the operational circumstances and may include:
· hand held and vehicular radios
· repeaters
· mobile phones
· any other communication device suitable for the surveillance, including in relation to security of messages.

Recording facilities includes :
· running sheets or logs
· tape recording equipment.

Occupational Health and Safety requirements:
Include interpretation and application of OHS law, policy, guidelines and procedures.

Security procedures include:
· the physical security of the observation post, its occupants and equipment while maintaining its covert nature
· the appropriate application of counter and anti-surveillance techniques.

Demeanour and dress:
Appropriate to the situation, location and environmental conditions.

Security:
Physical security as well as maintaining the covert nature of an operation.

Counter-surveillance:
Includes techniques employed to identify and counteract surveillance without detection, such as:
· counter-surveillance routes
· acting naturally
· developing and using area familiarisation.

Anti-surveillance:
Include techniques employed to identify surveillance.

Running sheets:
Means a surveillance log in the prescribed format.

Exit and entry points:
Include 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:
Means information collected because of a surveillance operation and which has been collated and analysed, as appropriate, to suit the needs of the surveillance objective.

Each unit of competency has an evidence guide that relates directly to the performance criteria and the range of variables. Its purpose is to guide assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program. The following components provide information to assist this purpose.

Underpinning knowledge
The essential knowledge and understanding a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
· jurisdictional policies, procedures and laws
· surveillance and counter-surveillance methods
· operational procedures for surveillance equipment
· local knowledge relevant to surveillance operations
· evidentiary requirements.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standards include:
· working in a team
· using video and photographic equipment
· reading maps
· observing and analysing
· planning for contingencies
· using communication equipment.

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.

Critical aspects of competence
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.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit may be assessed after/with:
· SFICOMP403B - Operate and maintain surveillance equipment.

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

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.

Resources required for assessment
Resources may include:
· surveillance plan
· surveillance equipment required for surveillance from an observation post
· work and team leader.