Understanding the importance of a CCTV role

Our first thoughts of a CCTV Operative are usually common misconceptions. They sit on a chair, have a look at the screen, being bored, then leave to go home. However, in reality, this job is highly technical, requiring skill and knowledge. The use of CCTV has increased widely across the UK and the rest of the world. The increase of crime rates and the threat of terror. Thus, this has resulted in the corresponding demand for skilled public surveillance operators in almost every industry and sector of the economy.

Vacancies have become available across many fields from housing and retail complexes, to councils and offices to more sensitive areas such as educational establishments, hospitals and airports. It is clear that CCTV operatives are very necessary.

The role of CCTV operative:

CCTV is what keeps our societies safe. It acts a tool to prevent and reduce crime by recording evidence which can then be used in a court of law. The person behind the CCTV is the driving force for the information to be obtained and used accordingly.

The basis of a CCTV Operators role is to safeguard the public, protect property, and ensure the security of data. As a CCTV Operator, you will commonly have many responsibilities, ranging from operating and monitoring banks of screens, reporting incidents as evidence, and potentially contacting the police and emergency services as and when required.

For the role to be completed efficiently, a CCTV Operator needs to be exceedingly observant with a high level of concentration, and be able to divide their attention in order to monitor multiple occurrences taking place at a single setting. They will have to have a good understanding of body language in order to monitor crowds, intercept trouble before it occurs, and track specific people. Strong communication skills are also needed when interacting with the police and other enforcement agencies, and the ability to work without supervision for long periods of time is absolutely essential to the role. Most importantly, a CCTV Operator must be quick thinking, using their initiative whilst reacting quickly and calmly during emergencies.

Throughout every duty undertaken, CCTV Operators must be diligent, maintain integrity and accuracy, and ensure the confidentiality of all information gained by compliance in line with standards and legislation.

Training:

In order to qualify as a CCTV operator, you will be required to undertake an SIA approved training course which will typically run over a maximum of three days. The course is made up of 3 Units – Working in the Private Security Industry, Working as a CCTV Operator, and Practical Use of CCTV Systems. At the end of the course you will be required to pass two exams in order to achieve the qualification.

Within the course, you will be required to show an understanding of the following learning specifications within your assessment:

Introduce and identify the purpose of a CCTV system and the role and responsibilities of the members of the CCTV team within the control room

To understand the importance of codes of practice, operational procedures and guidelines in CCTV operations;

To discuss and demonstrate how a CCTV system and its equipment operate;

To explain the different type of legislation that impacts on CCTV operations;

To discuss and evaluate different types of incidents and how to deal with them;

To discuss and demonstrate surveillance techniques;

To discuss emergency procedures in the CCTV control room;

To discuss health and safety in the CCTV environment.

Are you interested in a career in CCTV? To find out more information and book your course, please visit: https://www.globaledulink.co.uk/course/cctv-pss-training-course-2/