Assessor Resource

DEFFOR004
Capture forensic photographic images

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills required to capture photographic images for forensic purposes during an electronic forensic investigation. It includes the selection of appropriate equipment and software and the capture of specific images required by the investigator. In the context of this unit, photographic equipment includes digital cameras, film cameras, accessories such as lenses (normal, wideangle, telephoto and zoom), flashes and filters, tripod, equipment bag, memory cards and batteries.

This unit applies to those working in the gathering and analysis of electronic information.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those relating to WHS and the capture of photographic images.

Those undertaking this unit would work independently or as part of a team, under indirect supervision, while performing routine tasks in a broad range of contexts. They must be able to use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Prepare to take a forensic photograph

1.1 Identify, analyse and confirm forensic photographic requirement from work requests/instructions.

1.2 Check photographic equipment for serviceability, rectify and report any faults to appropriate personnel.

1.3 Identify recording methods required to document the forensic evidence.

1.4 Identify and factor into planning any operational, security, safety and other considerations affecting taking forensic photographs.

2. Take forensic photographs

2.1 Assess and determine the most appropriate way to capture the photographs.

2.2 Prepare and select correct technical photographic settings.

2.3 Set up, compose and take the photographic sequence.

2.4 Produce forensic photographs of a high quality that directly illustrate the investigation and are suitable for reproduction.

3. Process forensic photographs

3.1 Remove the film from the camera or download digital images to a computer.

3.2 Arrange for photographs to be developed, scanned or printed.

3.3 Forward forensic images to the electronic forensic investigator.

4. Store forensic images

4.1 Package and store images to maintain continuity and prevent degradation or contamination.

4.2 Enter details of images in case notes and, where appropriate, in the exhibit register to maintain the chain of custody.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

solving problems and making analytical decisions in response to a range of forensic photographic contexts, including the systematic capture of forensic images

using relevant in-service cameras

taking photographs in a range of environments

using relevant computer technology

collecting, packaging and preserving images, taking into consideration:

physical nature of images

electronic stability

packaging medium

tamper-evident seals

exhibit labels

operating safely

processing forensic photographs

using recording methods including at least one of:

handwritten notes

computer generated data

audio recording

global positioning system (GPS)

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

legislative, policy and quality system context in which forensic photography is conducted

legislative, policy and quality system requirements for the security, protection and preservation of forensic images

technical photographic knowledge

required documentation for recording and collecting forensic images

roles and functions of other forensic discipline specialists in the recording, collection, preservation and continuity of electronic evidence

WHS practices to be followed when recording, collecting and storing forensic images

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations, with access to electronic devices with content suitable for forensic extraction including mobile devices, computers or communications equipment.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Prepare to take a forensic photograph

1.1 Identify, analyse and confirm forensic photographic requirement from work requests/instructions.

1.2 Check photographic equipment for serviceability, rectify and report any faults to appropriate personnel.

1.3 Identify recording methods required to document the forensic evidence.

1.4 Identify and factor into planning any operational, security, safety and other considerations affecting taking forensic photographs.

2. Take forensic photographs

2.1 Assess and determine the most appropriate way to capture the photographs.

2.2 Prepare and select correct technical photographic settings.

2.3 Set up, compose and take the photographic sequence.

2.4 Produce forensic photographs of a high quality that directly illustrate the investigation and are suitable for reproduction.

3. Process forensic photographs

3.1 Remove the film from the camera or download digital images to a computer.

3.2 Arrange for photographs to be developed, scanned or printed.

3.3 Forward forensic images to the electronic forensic investigator.

4. Store forensic images

4.1 Package and store images to maintain continuity and prevent degradation or contamination.

4.2 Enter details of images in case notes and, where appropriate, in the exhibit register to maintain the chain of custody.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

solving problems and making analytical decisions in response to a range of forensic photographic contexts, including the systematic capture of forensic images

using relevant in-service cameras

taking photographs in a range of environments

using relevant computer technology

collecting, packaging and preserving images, taking into consideration:

physical nature of images

electronic stability

packaging medium

tamper-evident seals

exhibit labels

operating safely

processing forensic photographs

using recording methods including at least one of:

handwritten notes

computer generated data

audio recording

global positioning system (GPS)

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

legislative, policy and quality system context in which forensic photography is conducted

legislative, policy and quality system requirements for the security, protection and preservation of forensic images

technical photographic knowledge

required documentation for recording and collecting forensic images

roles and functions of other forensic discipline specialists in the recording, collection, preservation and continuity of electronic evidence

WHS practices to be followed when recording, collecting and storing forensic images

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations, with access to electronic devices with content suitable for forensic extraction including mobile devices, computers or communications equipment.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify, analyse and confirm forensic photographic requirement from work requests/instructions. 
Check photographic equipment for serviceability, rectify and report any faults to appropriate personnel. 
Identify recording methods required to document the forensic evidence. 
Identify and factor into planning any operational, security, safety and other considerations affecting taking forensic photographs. 
Assess and determine the most appropriate way to capture the photographs. 
Prepare and select correct technical photographic settings. 
Set up, compose and take the photographic sequence. 
Produce forensic photographs of a high quality that directly illustrate the investigation and are suitable for reproduction. 
Remove the film from the camera or download digital images to a computer. 
Arrange for photographs to be developed, scanned or printed. 
Forward forensic images to the electronic forensic investigator. 
Package and store images to maintain continuity and prevent degradation or contamination. 
Enter details of images in case notes and, where appropriate, in the exhibit register to maintain the chain of custody. 
Identify, analyse and confirm forensic photographic requirement from work requests/instructions. 
Check photographic equipment for serviceability, rectify and report any faults to appropriate personnel. 
Identify recording methods required to document the forensic evidence. 
Identify and factor into planning any operational, security, safety and other considerations affecting taking forensic photographs. 
Assess and determine the most appropriate way to capture the photographs. 
Prepare and select correct technical photographic settings. 
Set up, compose and take the photographic sequence. 
Produce forensic photographs of a high quality that directly illustrate the investigation and are suitable for reproduction. 
Remove the film from the camera or download digital images to a computer. 
Arrange for photographs to be developed, scanned or printed. 
Forward forensic images to the electronic forensic investigator. 
Package and store images to maintain continuity and prevent degradation or contamination. 
Enter details of images in case notes and, where appropriate, in the exhibit register to maintain the chain of custody. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

DEFFOR004 - Capture forensic photographic images
Assessment task 1: [title]

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Assessment Record Sheet

DEFFOR004 - Capture forensic photographic images

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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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