CCTV User Group – PCMA Joint Training Group Working Paper No 2
Level 2 Award
for
Basic CCTV Operations
Block Training Syllabus
(Second Draft – 4th August 2004)
Units: 7
Value:
Syllabus for Level 2 Award for Basic CCTV Operations
Contents
Unit 1 General Knowledge
Unit 2 CCTV System Operation
Unit 3 Other Equipment Operation
Unit 4 Evidence, Courts and Legislation
Unit 5 Dealing with Incidents and Knowledge of Procedures
Unit 6 Surveillance Techniques
Unit 7 Health and Safety and Emergency Procedures
Unit 1: Basic CCTV Operators Course – General Knowledge
Unit Value: 1
Unit Level: 2
Unit Code:
Description of unit
This unit provides operators with information on general subjects, which will enable them to fulfil their role effectively.
Summary of outcomes
To achieve this unit an operator must:
1. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the roles of control room and its staff.
2. Demonstrate a clear working knowledge and understanding of the Codes of Practice, Operational Procedures and Guidelines in use within a control room.
3. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the procedures for the passage of information.
Content
1. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the roles, duties and responsibilities of the CCTV system and all members of the control room staff.
2. Show a clear understanding of why Codes of Practice, Operational Procedures and Guidelines are necessary. Demonstrate a clear working knowledge of their contents and the penalties for breaching them.
3. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the need for the passage of information, when not to pass it and dealing with complaints.
Outcomes and assessment requirements
Outcomes / Assessment requirementsTo achieve each outcome an operator must demonstrate the ability to:
1. The CCTV control room and its staff / · Define the aims and objectives of the CCTV system
· Identify the different members of the control room, their roles,
duties and responsibilities
· Demonstrate a clear and detailed understanding of the purpose
of the CCTV operators job, their duties and responsibilities
2. Codes of Practice, Operational Procedures and Guidelines / · Explain the purpose of these documents, why they are
necessary and their impact on CCTV operations
· Explain who has access to the documents and the value they
have in establishing working relationships with partners.
· Demonstrate an understanding of the main issues contained
within these documents
· Explain the importance of complying with these documents
· Show an understanding of the penalties both for the individual
and the CCTV system in failing to comply with the documents
· Explain the value these documents have in reassuring the public
about CCTV operations
· Show an understanding of the system for amending these
documents
3. Passage of Information / · Show a clear understanding of the importance of the timely passage of accurate and relevant information
· Demonstrate an understanding of the limitations of passing on
information under various legislation and procedures
· Explain the reporting chain and what information may be passed
to internal and external agencies and what may not be passed
on
· Demonstrate a clear understanding of the Operators role in
dealing with members of the public and the media
· Show an understanding of the complaints procedure and how to respond to complaints received by the operator
Guidance
Generating Evidence
The evidence for this unit is provided by passing a formal pre-set written test paper drawn from a bank of test questions. Observation of practical demonstrating of competence in procedures. Demonstration of knowledge of the subject throughout the training period by answering oral questions and completing exercises and case studies both as individuals and in groups.
Resources
Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA)
Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA)
Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI)
The Information Commissioner’s Code of Practice
Organisations Codes of Practice
Operational Procedures
Guidelines
Policies on Complaints
Policies for dealing with the Media
Useful websites:
The Information Commissioner: www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
The Surveillance Commissioner www.surveillancecommissioners.gov.uk
Delivery
At the discretion of the training provider
Unit 2: Basic CCTV Operators Course – CCTV System Operation
Unit Value: 1
Unit Level: 2
Unit Code:
Description of unit
This unit introduces operators to the operation of CCTV equipment both within the Control Room and at the camera location. It will allow the Operators to understand more fully all of the equipment that will be used together with dealing with tape Management
Summary of outcomes
To achieve this unit an operator must:
1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of how the CCTV system works
2. Demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the control and operation of keyboards and joysticks within the Control Room
3. Demonstrate a basic working knowledge and understanding of the monitors within the Control Room.
4. Demonstrate a basic working knowledge and understanding of the CCTV cameras, which are linked to the Control Room.
5. Show a basic working knowledge and understanding of all recorded media and the way it is controlled within the Control Room.
6. Show a basic working knowledge of the method of cleaning Videotapes and an understanding of why it is necessary
7. Demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the operation of video recorders that are found within CCTV Control Rooms
8. Demonstrate a basic working knowledge and understanding of the operation of the Viewing/Reviewing Suite.
9. Show the ability to carry out function checks
Content
1. Explain how the CCTV system works
2. Demonstrate the ability to use Keyboards and Joysticks that are used to control the CCTV equipment effectively.
3. Display a clear understanding of the use of monitors and screens used to display CCTV images.
4. Show a clear working knowledge of cameras and their capabilities.
5. Demonstrate a clear ability to use the different types of recorded media and show an understanding of its control.
6. Display a clear working knowledge of the methods and reasons for the erasure of information.
7. Show the ability to use the various types of recording equipment effectively and the audit control required
8. Demonstrate the ability to use the equipment in the viewing suit to produce high quality evidence and show a detailed understanding of the control and audit trails required in its use.
9. Explain why function checks are necessary, when they should be carried out and demonstrate the ability to carry out function checks.
Outcomes and assessment requirements
Outcomes / Assessment requirementsTo achieve each outcome an operator must demonstrate the ability to:
1. The CCTV System / · Explain in general terms how the entire CCTV system works
2. keyboards and Joysticks / · Explain how they work
· Demonstrate how to call up individual cameras and to switch between different monitors
· Demonstrate the controlling of cameras.
· Understand the functions of the different keys
· Understand the use of access codes
3. Monitors / · Understand the different sizes, controls, layout and
ergonomics
· Understand the description of screen text
· Demonstrate the use of monitors to observe incidents
· Understand the different requirements of screen height in
relation to ‘Observe, Recognise, and Identify’
4. Cameras / · Understand the controlling of cameras and the use of ‘pan tilt and zoom’ together with patrolling techniques
· Explain the different types of cameras and their
characteristics
· Understand camera locations and their capabilities
· Understand the requirements of ‘privacy zones’
· Be aware of the effects of lighting
· Explain how to gather usable evidence
5. Recording Media / · Understand the different types of recorded media together with the care and handling required
· Explain the storage requirements and how often tapes may be used
· Explain the requirements for marking tapes, and tape management
6. Cleaning Video tapes / · Explain the need and use of a degausser
· Understand the Health and Safety issues
· Explain the requirements for recording the use of the
degausser
7. Recording Equipment / · Understand the different types of recorder
· Explain the different recording times
· Demonstrate the operation and different functions
· Explain the loading/unloading of recorded media together with the audit trail required
8. The Viewing/ Reviewing Suite / · Understand the requirement for authorisations for use together with the recording of evidence and audit trail
· Explain the equipment and how it works,
· Understand the use of the recorder including the playback timings and copying tapes.
· Explain the use of the Hard Copy Printer and requirements for its use.
9. Function Checks / · Explain why equipment function checks are necessary
· Explain when function checks should be carried out
· Demonstrate an understanding of the recording procedures and what to do if defective equipment is discovered
· Show the ability to carry out a function check
Guidance
Generating Evidence
The evidence for this unit is provided by passing a formal pre-set written test paper drawn from a bank of test questions. Observation of practical demonstrating of competence in procedures. Demonstration of knowledge of the subject throughout the training period by answering oral questions and completing exercises and case studies both as individuals and in groups.
Resources
Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA)
Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA)
Regulation of Investigatatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA)
Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI)
Police And Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASWA)
Judicial System – see websites below
The Information Commissioner’s Code of Practice
Organisations Codes of Practice and Operational Procedures
Useful websites:
The Information Commissioner: www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
The Surveillance Commissioner www.surveillancecommissioners.gov.uk
The Home Office: www.homeoffice.gov.uk
The Criminal Justice System: www.criminal-justice-system.gov.uk
Her Majesties Stationary Office: www.hmso.gov.uk
Delivery
At the discretion of the training provider
Unit 3: Basic CCTV Operators Course – Other Equipment Operation
Unit value: 1
Unit level: 2
Unit code:
Description of unit
This unit introduces operators to other systems equipment (non-CCTV) and the knowledge of procedures in relation to that equipment.
Summary of outcomes
To achieve this unit an operator must:
1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the importance of communication skills within the control room environment.
2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the ISDN (Integrated Special Digital Network) and its uses.
3. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the telephone system.
4. Demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the fax machine.
5. Demonstrate a basic working knowledge of a retail radio system, its uses, associated protocols and relevant legislation.
6. Demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the police radio/airwave system, its uses, associated protocols and relevant legislation.
7. Demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the computer system.
8. Demonstrate a basic working knowledge of access control equipment and associated procedures including visitors.
9. Demonstrate a basic understanding of car park help points and associated procedures.
10. Show a basic understanding of repair and maintenance procedures.
Content
1. Explain the importance of efficient oral communication skills and a demonstration of these and associated accurate note keeping skills. Show a clear understanding of the security implications when passing information via communications systems.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of an ISDN Integrated Special Digital Network) link and how it operates.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the telephone system, how it works and the answering procedure.
4. Demonstrate the ability to use the fax machine.
5. Explain the retail radio system, including its use and protocol. Show and understanding of the implications of the DPA, HRA and confidentiality.
6. Give an explanation of a Police radio/Airwave system including its use and protocol. Explanation of the implications of the DPA, HRA and confidentiality.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the computer system and its function within the control room environment and how it works.
8. Show an understanding of the necessity for an access control system, how it works, the control of visitors and other protocols.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the purposes and use of the help point system used in the car parks.
10. Show a clear understanding of the reasons for accurate and efficient fault reporting and recording and the fault reporting procedures.
Outcomes and assessment requirements
To achieve each outcome a student must demonstrate the ability to:
1. Importance of communication / · Demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of
accurate, timely and effective communications skills
and the need for effective listening skills
· Display a clear understanding of the need to be aware
of security and confidentiality in all forms of
communications
Demonstrate the ability to understand and record what
is being said
Accurately and effectively disseminate information both
within the control room and to external sources
2. The ISDN link / Explain the basic concept of the ISDN line and how it operates
State examples of situations when the ISDN line should be used
State examples of situations when the ISDN line should not be used
Give a basic explanation for the need for an audit trail
3. The telephone system / Explain and demonstrate the need for information to be clear and precise
· Demonstrate the ability to follow the telephone
answering procedures
Explain why each use of the telephone must be recorded
Give a basic explanation for the need for an audit trail
4. The Fax machine / Explain and demonstrate the actions upon sending and receiving faxes
Explain why each use of the fax machine must be recorded
Give a basic explanation for the need for an audit trail
5. Retail radio / Demonstrate a basic understanding of the phonetic alphabet, 24hr clock and IC codes
Explain what the retail radio system is and the reasons why information should be clear and accurate
Effectively relay information via this means
Effectively receive and act upon a basic radio message
Explain what type of information should/should not be passed over this insecure means
Outline the main points relating to the HRA and DPA in relation to retail radio usage
6. Police radio/airwave system / Demonstrate an understanding of how the police radio/airwave system works
Explain the uses within the control room environment
Effectively relay information via this means
Effectively receive and act upon a basic radio message
Explain the main points of the radio protocol including confidentiality and restrictions
Give a basic explanation for the need for an audit trail
7. Computer system / Explain its possible uses
Demonstrate basic data input
Retrieve basic information
Give a basic explanation of the reasons for certain access restrictions
Explain the reason for usage recording and audit trail
8. Access control / Explain why an access control system is necessary
Explain the operation of access control equipment, including: alarms, keypads, locks, entry phones etc
· Explain the procedures for entry including control of
visitors and record keeping procedures
9. Car park help points / Explain the function of the help points
Demonstrate effective procedures and customer care when dealing with a call and how to respond to complaints
Demonstrate the ability to operate the call point equipment
Explain the record keeping procedures
10 Fault reporting / Explain what the fault reporting procedure is
Explain why clear and efficient fault reporting and recording procedures should be in place
Explain what information will be required by the call centre when reporting a fault
Demonstrate the ability to report a fault
Guidance