CCTV Training
Introduction
The advancement in technology over the last few years has been very useful for the security industry. Security can now be monitored with the use of Close Circuit Television or CCTV; this can dramatically cut down on the number of security personnel needed onsite. CCTV training is necessary for maximum optimization and control of this equipment and course completion will result in a CCTV qualification or PSS license. A license is required to be able to work with and monitor CCTV equipment and it is considered illegal to employ personnel without this qualification to manage a CCTV system or any camera for public surveillance. The licensure will ensure that the CCTV operator is working within the set standard of practice and that he or she has sufficient skills and practical experience to successfully operate these system. CCTV training will ensure that hired personnel are competent and highly qualified to be employed in the security industry.
The CCTV System
Close Circuit Television (CCTV) has become the latest trend in security surveillance. It is also known as Public Space Surveillance or PSS. With the use of a CCTV camera system you can monitor a live feed of multiple areas that is visible on remote monitor, which is monitored by trained personnel. The installation of CCTV cameras has become a trend in security industry and forms part of the majority of security systems in businesses. It is a very useful tool for public surveillance, crime prevention, traffic monitoring and industrial use. The use of CCTV cameras in households is also becoming increasingly popular to monitor the premises and provide an additional level of security.
Due to the complexity of CCTV monitoring it needs to be monitored by trained personnel. Without proper monitoring you will be limited to only images and data without knowing how to properly analyze it. Only an expert handler can give purpose to the images captured by the camera and safeguard the information obtained from it. This is the purpose of proper CCTV training and licensure accredited by the Security Industry Authority or SIA.
With the ever increasing popularity of CCTV there will always be growing concerns about proper usage and privacy. Legislations have been put in place to govern its usage and to ensure that the footage obtained will only be used for its intended purpose. CCTV training will equip the individual with the technical skills needed to manipulate the system and also provide the needed knowledge of the legal aspect of CCTV usage. With CCTV training, highly competent personnel can apply for SIA qualification to ensure best practice in security surveillance.
CCTV Training
To regulate and ensure the standard of practice within the private security industry, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) has implemented a compulsory Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licensure. In order to pass the Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licensing, proper CCTV training is needed. The training course will provide the individual with needed core competencies to pass this examination. CCTV training is also necessary for the application for license before an individual is allowed to work in a security agency in the United Kingdom.
The licensure or accreditation that CCTV training provides will ensure the competence of the security workforce. It will also provide the public with a degree of confidence; knowing that these systems are operated by licensed personnel and that information are kept confidential. This license represents professionalism and thus lifts the standard of safe practice within the security field.
Course Description
The CCTV training course deals with concept, principle and techniques in CCTV operation. It ensures the application of the basic concept in the private security industry; which involves guidelines in CCTV operation, the code of practice and guidelines in data control. It also covers the proper course of action, including the legal and safety issues that is relevant in the security industry.
Course Objectives
At the end of the CCTV training course, the trainees are expected to have gained the skills, knowledge and attitude needed in CCTV handling and operation. The ultimate goal of CCTV training is to provide the qualification needed for SIA licensure; which leads to complete competency in security surveillance.
CCTV training aims to assists trainees to:
- Acquire basic knowledge of the private security industry; including the laws governing the security sector, the health and safety practices and emergency procedures;
- Utilize the concepts, principles and techniques in the proper handling of a CCTV system. This includes the safeguard, storage and monitoring of the images captured;
- Identify the roles and functions of the CCTV operator and staff;
- Be knowledgeable in the code of practice and operational procedures in the use of CCTV, the control room access and its resources;
- Identify the legal aspect and proper handling of legal issues in CCTV surveillance;
- Determine the proper course of action when handling accidents situations, emergencies and fire;
- Create measures to ensure health and safety while using the CCTV system.
Course Outline
CCTV training usually involves discussion of the following topics:
- The Basic Concept of the Private Security Industry;
- The Private Security Industry – Defining the scope of the security industry;
- Laws Governing the Private Security – Legal aspects and legislations that can affect the security sector;
- Health and Safety Operation – Discussions on protocols for health and safety measures, including a course of action in case of emergency and fire.
CCTV Operations
- CCTV Equipment and Operation – Describes the equipment used in Public Space Surveillance and how to operate them;
- Control Room Communication and Access Control – Describes the procedures in proper management in the control room; including authority over access of the server room and resources. This topic also covers the proper course of action that should be taken in case of suspicious acts, being caught on camera is also discussed;
- Public Space Surveillance Techniques – Highlights the techniques on effective surveillance and public monitoring;
- The CCTV Operator and Staff’s Roles and Responsibilities – Defining the scope of practice for Public Space Surveillance;
- Codes of Practice and Operational Procedure – Enumerating the guidelines in the practice of CCTV monitoring;
- Legislation – Discusses the legal aspects in the Public Space Surveillance and use of CCTV;
- Health and Safety – Describes the techniques to avoid occupational hazards in the CCTV workplace;
- Emergency Procedures – Elaborates on the protocols when dealing with accidents, emergencies and fire.
The Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) Licence
A SIA license is required in order to work in a security team that requires the use of CCTV or any other camera for public surveillance or individual monitoring. In order to acquire a licence, the following are the required:
- Must be 18 years of age or above;
- A clear criminal record;
- Must pass an identity check;
- Must have completed SIA accredited CCTV training .
Part of the qualification of CCTV training is to guarantee that the personnel have the necessary knowledge and skills to operate the CCTV equipment. The SIA released a number of core competencies to be included in the training module; these require a certain amount of hours for guided learning. SIA requires 32 hours of guided training and 27 hours of minimum contact for the completion of the CTTV training. Contact hours simply refers to the time spent with the trainer; including the time used in the completion of activities and examinations. Aside from the training, the examination also needs to be passed as a requirement for the approval of the licence.
Upon completion of the training and examination, the individual is given three years to apply for the licence. This three year grace period is necessary to ensure that the individual’s knowledge and skills is still up to date and within the evolving standards of practice. An exemption for the training and examination can be claimed if you have received awards or other qualifications within the last three years. Those who are working as CCTV operators within the three year period can also be exempted for training and reassessment. However, a refresher course may be needed for renewal of licence.
A PSS license is valid for three years. Prior to its expiry, the SIA will send a notification to the individual, reminding them to renew their license. Renewals can be done from four months before the current license is expires.
A security layer called related to CCTV monitoring. PTZ Security cameras can be a deterrent in some cases, however their real function comes from incident verification and historical analysis. For example, if alarms are being generated and there is a camera in place, the camera could be viewed to verify the alarms. In instances when an attack has already occurred and a camera is in place at the point of attack, the recorded video can be reviewed.
CCTV, Security Guarding and Convergence: Intertwined in the security layers are people. Guards have a role in all layers, firstly as static and patrol guarding at checkpoints, using correct cloaking procedures. In the second to administer electronic access control. Thirdly the responses to alarms. The response force must be able to arrive on site in less time than it is expected that the attacker will require to breach the barriers. And in the fourth to monitor and analyze video. Users obviously have a role also by questioning and reporting suspicious people. Aiding in identifying people as known versus unknown are identification systems. Often photo ID badges are used and are frequently coupled to the electronic access control system. Visitors are often required to wear a visitor badge. Physical and biometric security convergence must be covered in security training.
Although the term closed-circuit television (CCTV) and CCTV Training is commonly used, it is quickly becoming outdated as more video systems lose the closed circuit for signal transmission and are instead transmitting on computer networks. Advances in information technology are transforming video monitoring into video analysis. For example, once an image is digitized it can become data that sophisticated algorithms can act upon. In terms of functionality, as the speed and accuracy of automated analysis increases, the video system could move from a monitoring system to an intrusion detection system or access control system. It is not a stretch to imagine a video camera inputting data to a CPU processor that outputs to a door lock. Instead of using some kind of key, whether mechanical or electrical, a person’s visage is the key. When actual design and implementation is considered, there are numerous types of security cameras that can be used for many different applications. Moreover, it is essential to analyze their needs and choose the right systems accordingly
CCTV training courses and the application in the workplace:
A SIA Trained Security Guard tour patrol system is a system for logging the rounds of employees in a variety of situations such as SIA Licensed Security guards patrolling vacant land or premises. CCTV Operators working remotely or on site, monitoring climate-controlled environments, and correctional officers[1] checking prisoner living areas. It helps ensure that the employee, in relation to health and safety law as well as private security law, makes his or her appointed rounds at the correct intervals and can offer a virtually indisputable record for legal, insurance or perhaps moral reasons. Such systems have existed for many years using mechanical watchclock-based systems (watchman clocks/guard tour clocks/patrol clocks). Computerized systems were first introduced in Europe in the early 80s, and in North America in 1986. Modern electronic systems are based on handheld data loggers and RFID sensors, and is due to change more in coming years.
Security systems of integration provide a means to record the time when the employee reaches certain important points on their tour (and, of course, the fact that they reached these points at all). Checkpoints or Watchstations are commonly placed at the extreme ends of the tour route and at critical points such as vaults, specimen refrigerators, vital equipment, access points, etc. Some systems are set so that the interval between stations is timed so if the employee fails to reach each point within a set time, other operational members of the team are dispatched to investigate and ensure the employee’s safety.
CCTV Training takes place regularly in the UK, offered by AAB Training. Get your staff trained to the appropriate level in order to be safe and legal. Contact AAB Training today for assistance, we provide private tuition in security related CCTV licence subjects.