Patrolling, Watchkeeping, Surveillance and Reporting
Domain 5 tests patrol methods, watchkeeping alertness, surveillance rules and what a good patrol report contains.
Patrol
- Purposes: deter intrusion, detect faults and hazards, reassure staff, provide visible presence.
- Types: foot beat, mobile patrol, perimeter, route, random patrol, fixed sentry, night beat.
- Vary timing and route, use clocking points or scan tags, sign the beat register at each point.
- Use your senses: look for forced doors, fresh marks and loose wiring; listen for alarms, glass and running water; smell smoke, gas and fuel.
Watchkeeping
Night duty risks are sleep, fixed routine and complacency. Take over formally, count keys, test torch and radio, do not sit inside a locked cabin, keep radio contact at fixed intervals, and log every check.
Surveillance
CCTV monitoring means watching for anomalies, not people-watching. Do not zoom into private areas, record personal conversations or share footage and screenshots. Preserve recordings after an incident; note camera number and time stamp and export with the supervisor. Retention follows client policy and law.
Reporting
A patrol report states date, time, place, what was seen or heard, action taken, persons informed and signature. Facts only.
Worked example
On the 02:00 beat you smell gas near the canteen. Reasoning: gas plus a spark can explode. Steps: stop, do not operate electrical switches, warn occupants, call the supervisor and maintenance, open doors and windows if safe, move people away, log time and action, call the fire brigade if the smell strengthens.
Traps
Patrolling the same route at the same time; sleeping in the cabin; turning a camera away from the gate; writing that nothing happened without timed entries; deleting footage.