12 Surveillance Officer Skills for Your Career and Resume

Surveillance officers are responsible for monitoring activities and people in order to detect any suspicious behavior. They use a variety of skills to perform their duties, including observational skills, critical thinking and problem solving. If you’re interested in a career as a surveillance officer, learning more about the skills required for this position can help you determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Attention to Detail

Surveillance officers need to be detail-oriented when completing their tasks. They must accurately record the information they receive from clients, including any video or audio recordings and written statements. They also need to pay close attention to details while conducting surveillance so they can identify suspicious activity and take action if necessary.

Observation Skills

Observation skills are important for surveillance officers to have, as they need to be able to notice details about people and places. For example, a surveillance officer might observe someone entering an office building and then later notice that the person left through a different door. This is an example of how observation skills can help a surveillance officer with their job.

Patience

Patience is a skill that can help surveillance officers remain calm and focused on their tasks. Surveillance work often requires long periods of time spent in one place, so being patient can help you stay alert throughout your shift. Patience also helps you listen carefully to instructions from supervisors or other team members and follow them precisely. This can help ensure the success of an investigation or operation.

Integrity

Integrity is the ability to remain honest and consistent in your actions. Surveillance officers should be able to maintain their integrity when working with clients, colleagues and other members of the public. This means that they should always act honestly and fairly when dealing with others. It also means that surveillance officers should be consistent in their behavior so that clients can trust them and know what to expect from them.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze a situation and make logical decisions. Surveillance officers use critical thinking skills when they’re observing an area or following someone. They need to be able to notice any potential risks, like if a suspect might try to escape or if there are any safety concerns for pedestrians in the area.

Report Writing

A surveillance officer’s written reports are the primary way they communicate with their supervisors and other security personnel. Strong report writing skills allow a surveillance officer to clearly explain what happened during an assignment, including details about any suspicious activity or potential threats. They also use their writing skills to create detailed logs of their shifts that include information like when they arrived at the location, when they left and any notable events that occurred while they were there.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly. Surveillance officers must be able to communicate with their team members and supervisors, as well as relay information about suspicious activity or safety concerns. They also need to be able to explain what they observed in a way that law enforcement can use it for prosecution.

Communication Skills

Communication skills are necessary for surveillance officers to relay information and instructions to their team. They also need to communicate with clients, customers or other individuals who they may encounter during a shift. Strong communication skills can help surveillance officers convey messages clearly and understand what others are saying.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Surveillance officers often need flexibility because their work environment can change quickly and drastically. For example, if a client requests that you monitor an area for several days instead of one day, flexibility allows you to adjust your schedule accordingly. Flexibility also helps surveillance officers navigate unexpected challenges like equipment failure or unforeseen weather conditions.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and resolve issues. Surveillance officers use problem solving skills when they notice something out of place or if a situation arises that requires action. For example, if an intruder enters a building while the surveillance team is watching it, the security team needs to know how to react quickly and effectively.

Decision Making

Surveillance officers must be able to make quick decisions when necessary. They may need to decide whether a situation warrants calling the police or if they can handle it themselves. Surveillance officers also need to make important decisions about how to conduct their surveillance, such as where to place cameras and what areas to monitor.

Teamwork

Surveillance officers often work in teams with other security personnel. They must be able to communicate effectively and collaborate with others to complete their duties. For example, a surveillance team may alternate shifts so that they can monitor an area for extended periods of time. Teamwork skills are also important when working with law enforcement agencies on investigations.

How Can I Learn These Surveillance Officer Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to become a surveillance officer. Many of these skills are learned on the job, through on-the-job training. However, there are also a few things that you can do to learn these skills ahead of time. One way to learn these skills is to take a course in security or surveillance. This will give you the opportunity to learn about the different aspects of security and surveillance and how to apply them in a real-world setting. Another way to learn these skills is to volunteer with a security or surveillance organization. This will give you the chance to see how these organizations operate and to learn the skills that are necessary to be successful in this field.