CCTV operator

You would watch live images sent from closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras so you can spot and prevent crimes, accidents and incidents like traffic jams.

You could work for a local council where cameras would overlook public spaces or a private company in a large complex like a factory or shopping centre.

CCTV is also used on public transport like buses and trains, in stations and to monitor traffic in a city or on busy roads like motorways.

You would watch the images that are sent from the cameras and try to spot if anything untoward is happening so you can stop an incident such as a crime or a traffic jam from developing.

You would:

• watch screens in a control centre

• pay attention to any suspicious activity

• move the cameras by remote control if you need to get a better image

• contact police to report crimes in action

• ensure recordings are kept safe and correctly labelled so they can be located

• find recordings and copy them for the police

• report if a camera is not working.

You’d need to be observant and skilled at interpreting people’s body language and expressions. You need to able to react quickly.

The images you see and record may include some upsetting or shocking scenes. You’d need to be able to keep calm. You’d also need to be discreet and not discuss what you have seen with people who are not colleagues.

• Security Industry Authority - the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK

• Skills for Security - Training courses, apprenticeships and qualifications for people employed in private security roles

• Disclosure Scotland – more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme