Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:30 PM AWST

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Conduct surveillance

Conduct surveillance

Unit of competency
National Code
PSPREG414A
State Code
C8282
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
3.00
Current Release Date
01/11/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/07/2014
Field of Education
099905 - Security Services
Original Release Date
04/07/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to gather information through surveillance operations. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and 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
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
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
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AWT83 PSPREG014 Conduct surveillance Unit of competency