Product Overview

Summary: This Security and Surveillance Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for monitoring, responding to, and reporting security incidents across Australian workplaces. It helps organisations protect people, property, and information while meeting WHS obligations and demonstrating a robust, defensible approach to managing security risks.

Security and surveillance systems are now a critical layer of workplace safety in Australia, supporting the protection of workers, visitors, and contractors from violence, theft, and other criminal or high‑risk behaviours. This Security and Surveillance SOP provides a structured, step‑by‑step framework for how security personnel and general staff are to operate CCTV systems, access control, alarms, and monitoring tools, and how they should respond to suspicious behaviour, aggression, unauthorised access, and emergencies. It clarifies who does what, when, and how – from routine monitoring and patrols through to incident escalation and liaison with emergency services.

Beyond technology, the procedure focuses on people and process. It helps businesses embed consistent practices for incident identification, de‑escalation, evidence handling, and documentation that stand up to scrutiny from regulators, insurers, and courts. By implementing this SOP, organisations can reduce the risk of workplace violence, protect lone workers and late‑night staff, and ensure their security operations align with Australian WHS laws, privacy requirements, and industry best practice. The result is a safer, more controlled environment where staff know exactly how to respond when security issues arise, and leaders can demonstrate that foreseeable security risks are being actively managed.

Key Benefits

• Strengthen protection of workers, visitors, and assets through consistent security monitoring and response.
• Ensure security practices align with Australian WHS duties, privacy requirements, and evidentiary expectations.
• Reduce the likelihood and impact of workplace violence, theft, vandalism, and unauthorised access.
• Standardise control room operations, patrol routines, and incident escalation across sites and shifts.
• Improve quality of incident records and CCTV evidence to support investigations, insurance claims, and legal defence.

Who is this for?

• Security Managers
• WHS Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Control Room Operators
• Security Officers and Guards
• Operations Managers
• Retail Store Managers
• Hospital and Healthcare Security Coordinators
• Campus and Education Security Supervisors
• Event and Venue Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Workplace violence and aggression from clients, customers, or members of the public
• Armed robbery and hold‑up situations
• Unauthorised access to restricted or high‑risk areas
• Theft, vandalism, and sabotage of plant, equipment, or stock
• Security incidents involving lone workers or staff working after hours
• Abduction, assault, or harassment in car parks and external areas
• Failure of surveillance or alarm systems leading to unmanaged risk
• Poor evidence handling that undermines investigations and prosecutions
• Psychological harm to staff exposed to repeated or severe security incidents

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Security Manager, Control Room Operators, General Staff)
• 4.0 Security Risk Assessment and Site Profiling
• 5.0 Surveillance System Overview (CCTV, Alarms, Access Control, Duress Systems)
• 6.0 Pre‑Shift Checks and System Functionality Verification
• 7.0 Control Room Operating Procedures and Monitoring Protocols
• 8.0 Patrol Procedures and Physical Security Inspections
• 9.0 Incident Identification, Classification, and Escalation Criteria
• 10.0 Response Procedures for Security Incidents (Theft, Violence, Intrusion, Robbery)
• 11.0 Communication Protocols and Liaison with Police and Emergency Services
• 12.0 De‑escalation, Personal Safety, and WHS Considerations for Security Staff
• 13.0 Evidence Management (CCTV Footage, Access Logs, Physical Evidence)
• 14.0 Privacy, Confidentiality, and Data Retention Requirements
• 15.0 Incident Reporting, Recording, and Investigation Support
• 16.0 System Faults, Maintenance Reporting, and Business Continuity Measures
• 17.0 Training, Competency, and Induction Requirements
• 18.0 Review, Audit, and Continuous Improvement of Security and Surveillance Practices

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Workplace Violence and Aggression in Health Services (and related WHS guidance on workplace violence)
• AS 4806 series: Closed circuit television (CCTV) for security applications
• AS 4421: Guard and patrol security services
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities
• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) – particularly in relation to CCTV and surveillance of individuals