Unit of competency Outline
Information current as of
21/10/2026 1:06 AM AWST
21/10/2026 1:06 AM AWST
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Perform mobile surveillance
Perform mobile surveillance
Unit of competency
National Code
DEFIN012A
DEFIN012A
State Code
AVV41
AVV41
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
Original Release Date
15/03/2012
Nominal Hours
0
Field of Education
099905 - Security Services
Description
This unit covers the competency required to perform mobile surveillance covertly on a subject.
General notes
N/A
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Drive while performing covert surveillance duties
- 1.1 Surveillance vehicle is driven and manoeuvred safely in all locations and conditions in accordance with organisational requirements
- 1.2 Traffic conditions are monitored and acted upon to enable safe operation in accordance with organisational requirements
- 1.3 Safe and smooth driving is maintained while communicating with the surveillance team
- 1.4 Surveillance driving techniques are adapted to varying surveillance environments
- 1.5 Driving standards and manoeuvres that do not draw attention to the surveillance vehicle are employed
2. Employ vehicle surveillance techniques
- 2.1 Dress, appearance and props appropriate to the surveillance environment are chosen
- 2.2 Range of plausible cover stories appropriate to appearance and the surveillance environment are used to enhance effectiveness
- 2.3 Cover, distance and timing are used to minimise the risk of exposure and to maintain contact with the subject
- 2.4 Appropriate techniques are used to communicate covertly
- 2.5 Surveillance equipment carried is concealed or disguised to prevent compromise and exposure
- 2.6 Appropriate search techniques to relocate the subject are applied after losses
- 2.7 Surveillance vehicle is driven, parked or positioned to maintain contact with the subject while minimising the risk of compromise
- 2.8 Operatives are concealed within vehicles to minimise the risk of compromise
3. Make effective covert transitions
- 3.1 Static positions are strategically chosen to optimise coverage of the subject during transitions
- 3.2 Vehicle surveillance is performed to effectively support foot surveillance
- 3.3 Transitions between vehicle and foot surveillance are performed in a timely manner
- 3.4 Vehicle positions are chosen to allow for covert recovery of members performing foot surveillance
4. Gather intelligence and evidence
- 4.1 Surveillance techniques are employed to collect intelligence and evidence covertly during vehicle surveillance
- 4.2 Intelligence and evidence is gathered and maintained in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Surveillance environments may include:
effect of weather on roads
motorways traffic pattern and density
narrow spaces
road surfaces
rural roads
urban roads
visibility
daylight and night time
public and other legally accessible places
public transport
quiet and busy streets
rural areas
suburban areas
Dress may include:
bland design and colour
no distinct markings
suitable for the environment externally or internally fitted tracking devices
Appearance needs to:
be appropriate to the environment
fit the cover story
Props may include:
briefcase
business dress
newspapers
worker’s clothes
worker’s implements
Cover stories need to be:
able to undergo scrutiny
appropriate to the environment
plausible
relevant
vague (in order to prevent further interest)
Cover may include:
buildings
doorways
line of sight (obscure in relation to the target)
parked vehicles
pedestrians
Distance may include:
appropriate to available cover
appropriate to environment
appropriate to pedestrian density
Timing may include:
approach to and dealing with hazards
carrying out a manoeuvre
entering a building
leaving a building
Communication may include:
body language
covert radio usage
hand signals
mobile telephone
public telephone
Surveillance techniques may include:
boxing
other road users
other team members
parallel routes
single crewed
stationary vehicles
topography
technically assisted
Surveillance environments may include:
effect of weather on roads
motorways traffic pattern and density
narrow spaces
road surfaces
rural roads
urban roads
visibility
daylight and night time
public and other legally accessible places
public transport
quiet and busy streets
rural areas
suburban areas
Dress may include:
bland design and colour
no distinct markings
suitable for the environment externally or internally fitted tracking devices
Appearance needs to:
be appropriate to the environment
fit the cover story
Props may include:
briefcase
business dress
newspapers
worker’s clothes
worker’s implements
Cover stories need to be:
able to undergo scrutiny
appropriate to the environment
plausible
relevant
vague (in order to prevent further interest)
Cover may include:
buildings
doorways
line of sight (obscure in relation to the target)
parked vehicles
pedestrians
Distance may include:
appropriate to available cover
appropriate to environment
appropriate to pedestrian density
Timing may include:
approach to and dealing with hazards
carrying out a manoeuvre
entering a building
leaving a building
Communication may include:
body language
covert radio usage
hand signals
mobile telephone
public telephone
Surveillance techniques may include:
boxing
other road users
other team members
parallel routes
single crewed
stationary vehicles
topography
technically assisted
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
drive while performing covert surveillance duties
employ vehicle surveillance techniques
make effective covert transitions
gather intelligence and evidence
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated surveillance context.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed over time in a range of workplace or simulated surveillance situations.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
vehicle
surveillance equipment
Method of assessment
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
drive while performing covert surveillance duties
employ vehicle surveillance techniques
make effective covert transitions
gather intelligence and evidence
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated surveillance context.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed over time in a range of workplace or simulated surveillance situations.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
vehicle
surveillance equipment
Method of assessment
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions
No information