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.

Tasking brief includes:
· a clear statement of the client's needs
· the aim of the surveillance
· proposed duration of the surveillance
· records all available information held concerning the subject of surveillance.

Type of surveillance operation:
· static
· mobile
· collecting information that is part of an activity pattern
· observing a specific activity.

Constraints include:
· time frames
· resources
· operational security.

Aims/objectives:
Will be consistent with the overall objective/s of the investigation or operation.

Factors:
Any information and/or intelligence, which may impact on the formulation of the surveillance planning process, such as:
· topography
· coverage period
· own resources
· subject(s) resources
· likely courses of action.

Resources may be:
· human
· physical
· financial
· internal or external in origin.

Alternative surveillance techniques include:
· aerial
· electronic
· public transport
· special requirements of performing surveillance in remote areas.

Reconnaissance plan:
· guides the performance of the reconnaissance
· should consider the resources needed and the risks of performing the reconnaissance
· should include a cover story
· should be developed through discussion with surveillance team members and other specialist advice, if appropriate
· format of the plan will vary from operation to operation, however a written record should be made.

Exit and entry points:
Include the avenues open to a subject to arrive at or depart from a specified location.

Security monitoring devices include:
· all electronic surveillance devices
· alarm systems
· man traps
· any other physical or technical application employed for the security of the location/s and which are likely to comprise a surveillance operation.

Surrounding environment includes:
· topography
· socio-economic climate
· population orientation.

Appropriate:
Means correct choice taking into account the environmental conditions affecting the aim/objective at the time and security issues.

Subject's frequency points:
Will include any place or building likely to be accessed by the nominated subject, and may include schools, business locations, public transport locations and shopping facilities.

Surveillance coverage points:
Will include observation positions to identify and cover subject's movements and locations.

Legislative and procedural requirements:
Include legislation relevant to jurisdiction and its officers in the performance of their duty, SOPs and legal requirements for tendering surveillance reports to a court.

Reconnaissance report:
· provides a clear, concise picture of the operational area
· should follow the agreed format
· includes:
· aims/objectives of the reconnaissance
· type of reconnaissance
· time frame
· officers conducting the reconnaissance
· equipment needs
· rally point.

Surveillance plan:
· means a plan of operation to facilitate the maximum use of resources in achieving the operational objective
· includes resource and operational issues specific to the task, the team and the target
· provides a risk assessment.

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, especially relating to privacy and trespass
· surveillance methods
· local knowledge relevant to surveillance operations.

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.

Literacy skills used for:
· maintaining a running sheet
· documenting and adapting reconnaissance and surveillance plans.

Numeracy skills used for:
· counting, calculations involving time, distances and/or quantities
· estimating height, weight, quantity of people
· estimating size of people and/or product.

Critical aspects of competence
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
· work in a team environment to develop a surveillance plan based on information obtained through a location/site reconnaissance.

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:
· No recommendations.

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:
· case study
· role play.

Resources required for assessment
Resources may include:
· surveillance equipment required for reconnaissance
· work team and team leader.