ALL-IN SECURITY Courses

All-In Security Courses

CCTV Training Course Information

The role of CCTV in a security setting has grown further in the past few years than in the previous time going back to its introduction as a security measure. From one camera recording grainy footage onto a VHS tape, the modern day application of Closed Circuit Television marks a giant leap forward for the security industry, with the average establishment now containing multiple cameras in each room, covering all imaginable angles and every nook and cranny to give a shot of any area that a law-breaker may pick in which to misbehave.

Though the popular image of CCTV tends towards an impression that "Big Brother is Watching" the individual, there is no denying that it has become an indispensable part of law enforcement and maintaining public order. From a single location – dubbed a "control room" although it may be something as simple as one PC screen with a mosaic of images – a CCTV operator can monitor premises that may extend over multiple floors with numerous booths and endless dark corners – where before there were ample opportunities for the enterprising miscreant to work unseen, CCTV has seen these options dramatically reduced. The ease of use of a modern-day CCTV system now means that, wherever someone assumes they cannot be seen, someone is watching and they have a handy record of the incident as evidence.

CCTV would be of limited use, however, without a dedicated operator to keep an eye on the screen and this is where the CCTV supervisor comes in. A trained CCTV supervisor with the correct equipment at their fingertips can snuff out a large percentage of the misdeeds that take place in any establishment. To get the best out of this capability, and to avoid misuse of the service, the SIA offer an accredited qualification in the use of Closed Circuit TV, without which it is unlikely that you will be allowed to operate as a CCTV Supervisor.

The SIA qualification for a CCTV Supervisor is a knowledge and practical-based training and assessment process that consists of nine modules, commencing with an introduction to the roles of CCTV operator and other related staff. Further to this module are the following elements:

Codes of Practice, Operational Procedures and Guidelines – the importance of CCTV footage as evidence in some criminal cases makes it a necessity that the service is correctly used, and that no action either deliberate or incompetent should be allowed to compromise its value.

CCTV Equipment and its Operation – it is of fundamental importance that the equipment used in CCTV monitoring conforms to industry standards if its use is for law enforcement purposes. Any wilful or innocuous misuse or misrepresentation of CCTV footage may constitute a criminal offence.

Control Room Communications and Access Control – it is of paramount importance that if a CCTV operator on witnessing any suspicious behaviour alerts the other security staff, particularly door supervisors, so that speedy action can be taken. It is also vital that access to the control room is securely controlled at all times, as failure to do so may result in claims of falsification of evidence should a case come to court.

Legislation – it is required that anyone concerned with operating CCTV equipment for security purposes be aware of all current legislation pertaining to its use, and fully conversant with best practice under this heading.

Dealing with Incidents – from a position in the control room, the CCTV operator should inform security staff who are placed to act, should any criminal or suspicious acts be witnessed via the CCTV system. In the first instance, this action must be limited to taking a closer look at any incident, as the limitations of CCTV mean that it is still not admissible as the sole evidence of a criminal act.

CCTV Surveillance Techniques – the expense and technological advancement of any CCTV equipment are no guarantees of its effectiveness in monitoring premises. It is required that the individual operating the equipment be fully versed in how any footage can be used and gathered, for the sake of preservation of evidence.

Fire and Emergency Procedures – the industry standard for conversance with best practice in an emergency applies in all cases, and forms a compulsory module of this and all employee training schemes.

Health and Safety at Work – as above.

Full SIA Training in CCTV operation is in most cases a compulsory requirement for anyone seeking employment in the field of CCTV operation. If, however, you already have some form of UK qualification in this field, you may be able to forgo some or all of the SIA course. Similarly, if you hold a security qualification gained overseas, this may also exempt you from the full SIA-approved program. This is subject to SIA approval of your qualification, and the training may not be any more than three years old, due to the ever-changing standards of technology.