The Role of a Surveillance Officer within the ASIO: An In-depth Look

This essay explores the role of a Surveillance Officer within the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), highlighting the necessary skills, lifestyle commitments, and professional capabilities required for the position. It emphasizes the importance of physical fitness, mental resilience, communication skills, and driving competence in various traffic conditions. The essay also underscores the significance of patience and vigilance in observing and investigating potential threats to national security. The author reflects on their own experiences and skills, demonstrating their suitability for the role and expressing confidence in their ability to contribute effectively to the ASIO's mission of safeguarding Australia and its interests. The document is available on Desklib, a platform offering a variety of study tools and resources for students.

Running head: ROLE OF SURVEILLANCE OFFICER
Role of Surveillance Officer
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1ROLE OF SURVEILLANCE OFFICER
Surveillance officer Role with the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO)
The ASIO aims at investigating and identifying any threats that is likely to harm the
society and the people and the organization renders advice to safeguard the Australian people
and their interests.
The role of a Surveillance Officer within the body requires both a healthy lifestyle and a
professional commitment. The other essential capabilities that a surveillance officer is expected
to possess include handling workload, working under work pressure, competence in
communication, good memory, driving competency, high level of patience, physical strength and
professionalism. The job as a surveillance officer has interested me as it is responsible to counter
terrorism and safeguard its nationals from security threats is a great opportunity to serve the
nation and safeguard it from the global threat of terrorism and put an end to the global menace
that has been taking lives of million since years.
Physical/ Healthy lifestyles
A healthy lifestyle which implies physical fitness is crucial for a surveillance officer as
walking, running are part of their job which is to identify and investigate any threats to the
society and its people. I have been participating in variety of informal as well structured physical
activities such as gym work, running, and ultimate Frisbee. Further, my recent participation in
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training at least for 6 times a week indicates in my opinion, reasonable healthy
standard of living.

2ROLE OF SURVEILLANCE OFFICER
Maintaining high level of attention, memory and concentration under pressure
I believe that since a surveillance officer within the ASIO is required to maintain calm
and concentrate even under situation of pressure as the main part of the job involves
identification of threats that is likely to affect the nation and its nationals.
Now, having been acquainted with the nature of this responsibility, I can assure that I
have worked in job roles with fluctuating deadlines in all my former employment where I have
learnt that under high-pressure situations, prioritizing and sorting out projects into smaller and
manageable tasks is effective in reducing the stress levels, thus, maintaining focus on all the
tasks. With increased concentration level, it becomes easier to remember every minute details of
any project, which further enabled me to complete the project in an efficient and timely manner.
Competency in verbal communication with various persons
Communication is yet another crucial capability that must be possessed by a surveillance
officer. Here I would like to mention that from my previous work experiences, I have had a good
understanding of teamwork and its relevance in accomplishing the assigned objectives. I have a
clear conception about the importance of communication while working within a team
environment as a clear communication enables a team to work effectively.
I have always been clear about my own responsibilities along with those of the team
members as I am aware how important it is to have clear thoughts about the responsibilities that I
must carry out and how it fits with my other teammates as well as in the organization altogether.
My previous work experiences have further taught me that different people have distinct
personalities, capacities and communication styles and it is important to utilize such diverse
skills, personalities and communication styles to achieve the targeted aims and objectives.

3ROLE OF SURVEILLANCE OFFICER
Walking capacity
My healthy lifestyle, which includes running, gym work and other physical activities,
also include walking. If my part of the job requires walking for long distances or several
kilometers, I will be able to perform the same without any discomfort or difficulties.
As acquainted with the job responsibilities, I follow a healthy and fitness routine of a
standard that ensures my capability to operate ‘on foot’ which includes running, standing,
walking for prolonged periods that too, under different environmental and weather conditions.
Driving Competence in various traffic
As part of the job responsibility, a surveillance officer may be required to approach any
suspect or may require to keep any group of persons or individuals under vigilance for which
they may have to follow the suspect by cars.
I can efficiently fulfill this requirement as in my previous employments I was required to
undertake responsibilities that required me to work in external locations where I had to drive and
often such locations used to be far from the base support. These experiences have improved my
driving skills and enhanced my capability to drive for extended periods under various
environments.
Patience regarding sitting for prolong period in various environments
Observation and vigilance are the two most important part of the job descriptions that is
expected from a surveillance officer. Given the relevance of this responsibilities in recognizing
any threats or carrying out any investigation, I have gained experiences from my previous
employments to observe and be vigilant under any given circumstances or locations without

4ROLE OF SURVEILLANCE OFFICER
being distracted from my main duties. Hence, even in public places I believe I will be able to
remain vigilant in carrying out my responsibilities.
I am completely aware of the responsibilities that are carried out by a surveillance officer
within the ASIO and understand its importance. I am confident that with my skills, knowledge
and experience, I am competent to perform all the responsibilities efficiently and with diligence
and for this role and with further training, it will only enhance my skills and competency.

5ROLE OF SURVEILLANCE OFFICER