CCTV Operator SIA Training
Level 2 Award for Working within the private security industry
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Who requires this qualification?
Any business that uses CCTV to monitor a public space or members of the public will need trained security staff qualified as a CCTV operator and who hold an SIA licence. A level 2 award for CCTV operators in the private security industry qualification is required by law for an individual to apply for an SIA licence to work as a CCTV operator.
Why a Highfield qualification?
Highfield is the leading provider of regulated compliance qualifications in the UK, certificating over 350,000 learners a year, and qualifies more CCTV operators each year than any other awarding organisation. We’re extremely proud to be a Highfield-approved centre and offer industry-recognised qualifications that will enhance learners’ career prospects.
Before I am able to join the course, What qualifications do I need?
This qualification is approved for delivery to learners aged 16 and over. However, learners aged 16-17 that an SIA licence cannot be applied for until the age of 18.
Security operatives are likely in the course of their work to be required to make calls to the emergency services, or for example communicate to resolve conflict. It is essential that security operatives can communicate effectively. To ensure that each learner is sufficiently competent in the use of English and/or Welsh language, All initial language assessments must be conducted in the medium of English and/or Welsh as appropriate.
Learners should, as a minimum, have language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening equivalent to the following:
- A B2 Level qualification on the Home Office’s list of recognised English tests and qualifications.
- A B2 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- An ESOL qualification at (Level 1) on the Ofqual register taken in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- An ESOL qualification at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Level 5 awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and taken in Scotland.
- Functional Skills Level 1 in English.
- SQA Core Skills in Communication at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Level 5.
- Essential Skills Wales Communication Level 1.
Training centres must retain this information for all learners against all four competencies for a minimum of three years in line with the retention of assessment evidence requirements.
Minimum contact time is stipulated by the SIA
| Unit No. | Unit Reference | Unit Title | Minimum Contact Time | GLH |
| 1 | J/617/9686 | Principles of working in the private security industry | 9*/17 | 17 |
| 2 | J/617/9691 | Principles and Practices of Working as a CCTV operator in the Private Security Industry | 13 | 13 |
Modules
Unit 1: Principles of working in the private security industry
| Learning Outcomes | Assessment Criteria |
| The learner will | The learner can |
| 1. Know the main characteristics and purposes of the private security industry | 1.1 Identify the key purposes of the private security industry 1.2 State the aims and functions of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) 1.3 Recognise the required standards of behaviour of a security operative 1.4 Identify the benefits of community safety initiatives 1.5 Recognise how assignment instructions support the security operative role 1.6 Recognise how each security operative role may use CCTV 1.7 Identify the limitations of CCTV within the security operative role 1.8 State the purpose of the Approved Contractor Scheme |
| 2. Understand legislation as it applies to a security operative | 2.1 Identify the differences between civil and criminal Law 2.2 State the main aims of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 2.3 Identify key legislation relating to promoting equality and diversity in the workplace 2.4 Identify licensable roles under the Private Security Act 2.5 Identify how data protection regulation impacts on the security operative |
| 3. Understand arrest procedures relevant to security operatives | 3.1 State the meaning of arrest 3.2 Identify offences for which a security operative can make an arrest 3.3 Identify the limitations to a security operative’s powers of arrest 3.4 State procedures to follow when making an arrest 3.5 State why an arrest should only be made as a last resort 3.6 State procedures following an arrest 3.7 State what is meant by ‘reasonable’ and ‘necessary’ force |
| 4. Understand the importance of safe working practices | 4.1 Identify responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 4.2 Identify the risks of lone working within the private security industry 4.3 Identify typical workplace hazards and risks 4.4 State how to minimise risk to personal safety at work 4.5 Identify safety signs and signals 4.6 State procedures to be followed for recording and reporting accidents and health and safety incidents 4.7 Identify ways to keep personal information safe |
| 5. Understand fire procedures in the workplace | 5.1 Identify the elements that must be present for fire to exist 5.2 State the actions to be taken upon discovering a fire 5.3 Identify basic fire safety controls 5.4 Identify classifications of fire 5.5 Identify the different types of firefighting equipment 5.6 Identify the role of a fire marshal in the event of an emergency |
| 6. Understand emergencies and the importance of emergency procedures | 6.1 Identify the key emergency terms 6.2 Identify different types of emergencies within the workplace 6.3 Recognise how people react when emergencies occur 6.4 Identify actions to be taken in an emergency situation 6.5 Identify the role of the security operative in relation to first aid incidents 6.6 Recognise evacuation principles |
| 7. Understand how to communicate effectively as a security operative | 7.1 Identify the different types of communication 7.2 State the importance of effective communication 7.3 Identify the benefits of teamwork in the private security industry 7.4 State the principles of customer service 7.5 Recognise diverse customer needs and expectations |
| 8. Understand record-keeping relevant to the role of the security operative | 8.1 State the importance of accurate record-keeping 8.2 Identify the types of records that may need to be completed 8.3 Identify what information to include in records 8.4 Demonstrate the accurate completion of an evidential statement (Section 9 Statement) 8.5 State the process of attending court to give evidence |
| 9. Understand terror threats and the role of the security operative in the event of a threat | 9.1 Identify the different threat levels 9.2 Recognise the common terror attack methods 9.3 Recognise the actions to take in the event of a terror threat 9.4 Identify the procedures for dealing with suspicious items 9.5 Identify behaviours that could indicate suspicious activity 9.6 Identify how to respond to suspicious behaviour |
| 10. Understand how to keep vulnerable people safe | 10.1 Recognise duty of care with regard to vulnerable people 10.2 Identify factors that could make someone vulnerable 10.3 Identify actions that the security operative should take towards vulnerable individuals 10.4 Identify behaviours that may be exhibited by sexual predators 10.5 Identify indicators of abuse 10.6 State how to deal with allegations of sexual assault 10.7 State how to deal with anti-social behaviour |
| 11. Understand good practice for post-incident management | 11.1 Identify sources of post-incident support available 11.2 State why accessing support following an incident is important 11.3 State the benefits of reflecting on incident 11.4 Identify why it is important for security operatives to contribute to improving practice |
Unit 2: Principles and Practices of Working as a CCTV operator in the Private Security Industry
| Learning Outcomes | Assessment Criteria |
| The learner will | The learner can |
| 1. Understand the purpose of surveillance (CCTV) systems and the roles and responsibilities of the control room team and other stakeholders | 1.1 Identify the different uses of public space surveillance (CCTV) systems 1.2 State the roles and responsibilities of each member of the control room team 1.3 Identify the roles of other stakeholders in public space surveillance (CCTV) systems 1.4 State how to work effectively with a range of stakeholders and other agencies |
| 2. Understand the different types of legislation and how they impact on Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) operations | 2.1 Identify how the Data Protection Act impacts on the role of a CCTV Operator 2.2 Identify how the Freedom of Information Act impacts on public space surveillance (CCTV) operations 2.3 Identify how the Protection of Freedoms Act impacts on public space surveillance (CCTV) operations 2.4 Identify how human rights impact on public space surveillance (CCTV) operations 2.5 Identify how the principles of covert surveillance impact on public space surveillance (CCTV) operations 2.6 Identify how the offence of voyeurism impacts on public space surveillance (CCTV) operations 2.7 Recognise the impact of Codes of Practice on public space surveillance (CCTV) 2.8 Identify how the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) is controlled |
| 3. Understand the importance of operational procedures in public space surveillance (CCTV) operations | 3.1 State why operational procedures are necessary to public space surveillance (CCTV) operations 3.2 Identify the key elements of an operational procedures’ manual 3.3 State how the operational procedures manual impacts on public space surveillance (CCTV). 3.4 State the procedure for creating an evidential audit trail |
| 4. Understand how public space surveillance (CCTV) systems equipment operates | 4.1 Identify how the different components of a surveillance system operate 4.2 Identify the purpose of functional checks on control room equipment |
| 5. Understand surveillance techniques | 5.1 Explain a range of surveillance techniques 5.2 State the standards for capturing evidential images 5.3 State actions to take when dealing with multiple incidents |
| 6. Understand different types of incidents and how to respond to them | 6.1 Recognise the difference between a crime and a non-crime incident 6.2 Identify the CCTV Operator’s response to a crime and non-crime incident |
| 7. Understand health and safety in the CCTV environment | 7.1 State the guidelines for CCTV operators under the display screen equipment regulations 7.2 Identify the factors in CCTV operations that may create stress for operators and how to deal with them 7.3 Identify specific risks and controls when working in CCTV operations |
| 8. Demonstrate operational use of CCTV equipment | 8.1 Demonstrate functional checks on control room equipment 8.2 Demonstrate how to use surveillance equipment 8.3 Demonstrate surveillance techniques 8.4 Demonstrate effective use of communication devices 8.5 Obtain an evidential image |
| 9. Produce evidential documentation | 9.1 Produce documents required for the audit trail |
What exams do I have to take?
The Level 2 Award in CCTV Operations (Public Space Surveillance) is assessed by two straightforward multiple choice exam together with a practical assessment.
The vast majority of our candidates pass at their first attempt, but there is no limit to the number of times you can resit the exams. DSTO offer 2 free resits per candidate subject to our terms and conditions.
Applying for the SIA CCTV Operator licence
(Please note – You MUST be 18 or over to both attend the training and apply for your SIA License.)
On receipt of your exam results the information is uploaded by our awarding body within 48 hours. First time applicants must apply online for their licence. Renewals can only apply by phone. Delays are often caused by:
- Not completing the form correctly(it does warn you of errors as you go along)
- Sending insufficient/incorrect identification(can be done at the post office)
- Failure to pay the £220 licence fee
- Criminality issues
- False declarations
- Address history not being concurrent or change of address without informing the SIA. (licenced people only)
You can track how your application is proceeding by going to the Application Status checker on the SIA Website