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.

Mobile surveillance:
Includes surveillance undertaken:
· from vehicle
· from vessel
· on foot
· combination of these three methods.

Appropriate to the environment:
Means appropriate to:
· situation (including mode of dress)
· location (e.g. city, beach, hotel, rural town, remote area)
· environmental conditions
· taking into consideration the aim/objective at the time
· selection of vehicle and any equipment being used as part of the cover.

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

Communication techniques and equipment includes:
· use of appropriate terminology
· appropriate selection and use of communication equipment.

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

Secure:
Includes preventing the loss of equipment and unauthorised access to communications.

Covert nature:
Means the subject or members of the public are unaware of the surveillance activity.

Appropriate techniques for foot surveillance includes:
· appropriate positioning to observe the subject taking into account topography, location, cover and exit points the subjects could use
· appropriate control and use of movements and equipment so as to maintain the covert nature of the surveillance
· effective teamwork.

Appropriate techniques for vehicle surveillance includes:
· selection of vehicle positions
· the use of multiple vehicles
· appropriate control and discretion of vehicle movements
· methods of vehicle interception so as to maintain the covert nature of the surveillance
· vehicles will be driven in accordance with traffic regulations.

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:
Includes techniques employed to identify surveillance.

Changeovers:
Refers to the movement of officers between surveillance duties.

Alternative surveillance techniques include:
· aerial and electronic surveillance
· surveillance in a remote area
· public transport.

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 methods
· use of surveillance equipment
· local knowledge
· evidentiary requirements.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standards include:
· working as part of a team in sharing and analysing information
· using technical skills relating to operation of surveillance equipment
· reading and drawing maps
· observing surveillance subject
· using communication equipment under operational conditions
· analysing information related to surveillance activity
· planning for contingencies
· using surveillance driving skills under operational conditions
· using foot surveillance skills under operational conditions
· using surveillance technology such as cameras, video, and communication equipment
· working as part of 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 quantity and size of product.

Critical aspects of competence
Assessment must confirm ability to:
· work with a team to carry out covert surveillance by applying vehicle and/or foot surveillance techniques under operational conditions.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
· jurisdictional policies, procedures and laws relevant to surveillance operations and allowable evidence.

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:
· analysis of running sheet
· oral questions
· observation of foot and vehicle surveillance techniques used in workplace or simulated situations.

Resources required for assessment
Resources may include:
· surveillance equipment relevant to vehicle and foot surveillance
· surveillance plan (real or case study)
· running sheets
· work team.