CCTV operator

Public space closed-circuit television (CCTV) operators watch banks of closed-circuit televisions in a control centre. They watch carefully for things like criminal activity, suspicious or unusual behaviour and other incidents. They alert the police and keep records of what they have seen. They might need to give evidence in court.

Also known as:

Public space CCTV operator

Work activities

Public space closed-circuit television (CCTV) operators are responsible for operating CCTV cameras and watching banks of closed-circuit televisions or other surveillance equipment in a control centre. They use a keyboard or joystick to select and move the cameras remotely and to zoom in and out. They are usually responsible for making sure that all equipment is working correctly. They watch carefully for things like criminal activity, suspicious or unusual behaviour, accidents and non-criminal incidents. When they see one of these events, they alert the police, other security officers or another service (for example, the fire or ambulance service) as quickly as possible. They use phones and two-way radio systems to do this. CCTV operators must give clear and correct descriptions of people, vehicles, incidents, etc, in a calm and professional manner. They might be asked by the police to follow a suspect through a town centre from one CCTV camera to another. Or they could be asked to keep watch on a building, street or open space if the police have information that some criminal activity might take place there.

They might have to deal with more than one person or incident at a time. They might be asked to search through footage from a particular camera between certain dates or times to see if an incident has been caught on camera. CCTV operators keep careful logs of observations and incidents. Some might be handwritten and some might be typed into a computer system. They record and store video or digital recordings and still images securely, for use in evidence or in case they need to be checked after an incident. CCTV operators use their knowledge of relevant laws, for example, those relating to data protection, human rights and freedom of information, to operate cameras and record evidence in a legal and ethical way. Some CCTV operators might need to give evidence in court on some occasions.

Personal qualities and skills

As a CCTV operator, you’ll need:

To be honest, responsible, reliable and alert.
Good observational skills.
Excellent communication skills, including clear speech.
The ability to deal calmly with emergency situations.
Common sense, curiosity and a practical approach.
To be able to keep clear written records.
Practical skills to operate cameras and recording equipment.
An interest in law.
To be able to work well on your own and in a team.
The ability to concentrate throughout either a day-shift or night-shift.
To keep information confidential.
Some IT and keyboard skills. You’ll need good eyesight and hearing.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for CCTV operators vary depending on the employer and duties. CCTV operators earn around £20,000, rising to £26,000 for experienced operators.

CCTV operators work a full-time week, including shift work, nights, weekends and bank holidays. Overtime is a fairly common feature for all security officers.

Employers include local authorities, private security firms, police forces, universities, hospitals, commercial and industrial establishments, property estate owners, government departments, shops and warehouses. Opportunities for CCTV operators occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, on websites such as LGJobs, on job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

Public space surveillance closed-circuit television (CCTV) operators working under contract are regulated and licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and must hold an SIA licence to operate legally. To obtain an SIA licence, operators must be at least 18, take approved training, attain a national qualification in their sector and pass an identity and criminal records check. Employers usually carry out a thorough screening of the history of the applicant.

The SIA endorses awarding bodies that offer qualifications and approve trainers; it has a list of training providers approved by the awarding bodies to offer training in CCTV Operations. You will need to attend training modules and take and pass an exam. You will also be assessed on practical tasks.

You could enter this career path through a level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship in the role of professional security operative. This will include your SIA registration and any exams.

CCTV operators can progress to team leader, supervisor and manager posts. A few colleges and universities offer courses in security and risk management including with part time/flexible and distance learning study options.

Working as a public space CCTV operator under contract is an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to. Not all criminal records will prevent you from applying for an SIA licence. If you have a criminal record, the SIA will look at how recent, how serious and how relevant the record is.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation. Contracted public space CCTV operators must be at least 18 years of age to hold a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.

Some applicants have police, prison officer, firefighter or armed forces backgrounds.

Awards for CCTV operators are available from a large number of providers throughout the UK. Short courses normally last four days, delivered during weekdays, weekends and/or in evening sessions. A list of training providers is available from the SIA website. If you already have some form of UK qualification in CCTV operation, or you have worked in a CCTV control room within the last three years, you could be exempt from all or part of the SIA approved training. Full details of exemptions are available on the SIA website.

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