This unit of competency has application in a range of work roles in investigative services. Work is performed under limited supervision and competency requires some judgement and decision-making. The knowledge and skills described in this unit are to be applied within relevant legislative guidelines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Select equipment required.

1.1 Assignment instructions are reviewed to identify information gathering activities and equipment needs in accordance with client and legislative requirements.

1.2 Necessary equipment is sourced and accessed in accordance with assignment instructions.

1.3 Routine pre-operational checks are carried out according to manufacturer's instructions.

1.4 Faults and malfunctions are reported and action initiated to rectify problems or seek replacement as appropriate.

2Operate equipment.

2.1 Training, licensing and legislative requirements are identified and complied with prior to and during equipment operation.

2.2 Equipment is operated in a safe and controlled manner according to manufacturer's instructions.

2.3 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issues are identified and appropriate risk control measures implemented.

3Maintain and store equipment.

3.1 Cleaning and maintenance of equipment are conducted in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

3.2 Complex faults or repair requirements outside area of responsibility or competence are reported for specialist advice.

3.3 Equipment is stored in a safe and secure area in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

3.4 Records and documentation are completed and maintained with due regard to client confidentiality.

This section describes the skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Required skills

apply safe workplace practices and procedures

communicate in a clear and concise manner

communicate using appropriate channels and communication modes

identify and comply with applicable legal and procedural requirements, including licensing requirements relevant to information gathering activities

identify faults and determine appropriate repair or replacement action

interpret and follow instructions and procedures

maintain inventory of equipment and consumables

measure and calculate consumption and servicing requirements

operate a range of information gathering equipment

organise equipment and resource requirements

read and interpret basic technical information

record, report and document information which may be used as evidence

relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and of varying physical and mental abilities

risk assessment

solve routine problems

use and interpret maps and street directories.

Required knowledge

applicable licensing and legal requirements relevant to investigative operations

common and complex equipment faults

configuration and operation of information gathering equipment used from a vehicle

interviewing, reviewing and debriefing processes

legal implications relating to use of ancillary equipment for listening, tracking, observation, record keeping associated with note taking

observation and monitoring techniques

operational functions of a range of investigative equipment

pre-operational checking functions and procedures

principles of effective communication including interpersonal techniques

procedures for gathering information by factual investigation or surveillance

reporting and documentation requirements

requirements for the securing and storage of information gathering equipment and consumables

routine maintenance procedures for investigative equipment.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

selecting information gathering equipment appropriate to the investigative operation based on information gathered and a review of client and assignment instructions

carrying out pre-operational checks and identifying and reporting faulty, malfunctioning or damaged equipment for repair or replacement

safely and effectively operating a range of information gathering equipment in compliance with applicable legislative and licensing requirements

Cleaning, maintaining and storing information gathering equipment and completing and maintaining associated records and documentation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment includes:

a setting in the workplace or environment that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range statement.

Resource implications for assessment include:

access to a registered provider of assessment services

access to a suitable venue and equipment

access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures

assessment instruments including personal planner and assessment record book

work schedules, organisational policies and duty statements.

Reasonable adjustments must be made to assessment processes where required for people with disabilities. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

This unit of competency should be assessed using questioning of underpinning knowledge and skills.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and suitable to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the competency being assessed. In all cases where practical assessment is used, it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

Oral questioning or written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a choice between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Assignment instructions may include:

client identification information

incident and security risk response procedures

investigation purpose and objective

investigation tasks and procedures

investigation timeframe

personal presentation requirements

premises location and layout

reporting and documentation requirements

resource and equipment requirements

surveillance plan

travel routes and schedules.

Information gathering activitiesmay include:

mobile and static foot surveillance

mobile and static vehicle surveillance

use of 35mm camera

use of electronic surveillance equipment

use of video equipment.

Equipment for information gathering may include:

audible and visual warning devices

binoculars, telephoto lens, tripod

detection devices

electronic counter surveillance equipment

electronic readers and recognition controls

infra-red, night vision equipment

measuring tape

mirrors

mobile phone and other means of communication

scanners

spares and consumables (notepads, guise, pens, film, batteries, licences, street maps, telephone directories, light bulbs, credit cards, cash, protective clothing, public transport tickets, vehicle fuel)

torch

videos, cameras, recorders

voice recorders.

Legislative requirementsmay relate to:

applicable commonwealth, state and territory legislation which affects investigative work such as:

workplace safety

environmental issues

equal employment opportunity

industrial relations

anti-discrimination and diversity

Australian standards and quality assurance

authority to conduct investigation

award and enterprise agreements

evidence collection

freedom of information

licensing arrangements and certification requirements

privacy requirements

relevant industry codes of practice

restrictions in the use of recording devices

surveillance and listening devices

trade practices.

Sourcesof information gathering equipmentmay include:

data

distributor

internal records

manufacturer

market availability

organisational stores

publications such as industry newsletters, advertising brochures, magazines, professional association magazines

retailer.

Routine pre-operational checksmay include:

checking log books and maintenance schedule

cleaning, priming, tightening, basic repairs and adjustments

identification and segregation of unsafe or faulty equipment for repair or replacement

observing and monitoring noise levels for correct operation

visual checks for wear and tear.

Manufacturer's instructionsmay be found in:

attached to the equipment

equipment specifications

operator manual

plans and diagrams

printed instruction leaflets

warranty documents.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issues may relate to:

potential or existing hazards or risks

safety of self and others.

Documentationmay include:

computer-based information

diary logs

inventory

maintenance records

original and back-up tapes

original, copy and negative film or photographs

record of usage of equipment (written, card, electronic).

Unit sector

Security

Investigative services

This unit contains employability skills.