CCTV operator
Watch live images sent from closed circuit television cameras to spot and prevent crimes and traffic jams.
About the job
What it's like
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.
Hours
You may be expected to work shifts to cover 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many jobs advertised are for 12 hour shifts with four days on and four days off.
Environment
You would work indoors, in a control room, in front of a number of screens. Working either as part of a team of operators, or on your own, you'd keep in contact with your colleagues through telephone and radio.
Travel
You may spend time travelling to sites.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- closed-circuit television systems (cctv)
- alarm devices
- security systems
- access controls
- industry standards
- alarm monitoring
- escalation procedures
- drainage systems
- patrolling
- operational efficiency
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- observation
- verbal communication
- attention to detail
- concentrating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Information and Communications Technology - ICT
You do not need formal qualifications to entry this job but experience in police, armed services or security roles will be very helpful.
Qualifications that show expertise in security services such Security Industry Authority (SIA) qualifications will be of value.
Qualifications may be gained once in a job such as the SIA-recognised SQA Award for Working as a CCTV Operator (Public Space Surveillance) within the Private Security Industry (SCQF level 6).
You require a satisfactory PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check and may have to pass other security checks.
You may require Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence or specialist CCTV-related SIA qualifications prior to applying to some roles.
To qualify for this licence you must be aged 18 or over. You will also need to pass an identity check, a criminal record check, and have achieved an SIA approved Level 2 Award in CCTV Operations (Public Space Surveillance).
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