Assessor Resource

POLFOR003
Coordinate multi-discipline forensic investigation

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills required to coordinate complex forensic investigations involving forensic personnel from multiple disciplines. This will include planning for multi-discipline forensic investigations, coordinating resources and personnel, and reviewing the forensic investigations. These disciplines may include internal and external agencies, external analytical laboratories and national/international organisations.

This unit applies to specialist police staff as part of the forensic investigation of complex investigations which necessitate the involvement of multiple disciplines.

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 related to quality management, case management systems, forensic investigations and work health and safety (WHS).

Those undertaking this unit would be required to work autonomously and lead a team. They would demonstrate the ability to critically analyse the requirements of forensic investigations to plan and coordinate resources. They would demonstrate knowledge of sciences as they apply to crime scene investigation while performing sophisticated tasks across a broad range of unpredictable contexts.

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. Plan a multi-discipline forensic scene investigation

1.1 Assess types of evidence and the nature of the scene/incident to determine need for a multi-discipline investigation.

1.2 Conduct a preliminary assessment to identify information necessary for the development of the forensic investigation plan.

1.3 Assess information to identify nature of situation, objectives, options for multi-discipline response, and prioritisation and sequencing of examinations.

1.4 Evaluate options for multi-discipline response to select and record a course of action.

1.5 Identify forensic disciplines required for the investigation to determine the scope of their involvement in the response.

1.6 Assess risks to the integrity of forensic investigation, and safety and welfare of personnel in order to develop mitigation.

2. Coordinate resources of a multi-discipline forensic scene investigation

2.1 Identify resource requirements from each discipline to facilitate multi-discipline response.

2.2 Negotiate with stakeholders to allocate resources and action plan taskings to areas and/or personnel.

2.3 Deploy resources to conduct action plan taskings.

2.4 Monitor resource usage to maximise use of resources and investigation outcomes.

2.5 Establish records to substantiate critical decisions and for reporting purposes.

2.6 Monitor forensic scene investigation to ensure welfare and safety of individuals.

2.7 Liaise with stakeholders for reporting and briefing purposes.

2.8 Assess the multi-disciplinary investigation continually to adjust the action plan accordingly.

3. Review a multi-discipline forensic scene investigation

3.1 Evaluate completed tasks to determine whether the forensic objectives of the action plan and investigation have been met.

3.2 Liaise with team to identify incomplete and/or additional tasks for actioning.

3.3 Analyse preliminary results of the forensic investigation for information and reporting purposes.

3.4 Communicate scene/preliminary results for hand-over purposes.

3.5 Facilitate assessment of the welfare of the team for actioning and referral purposes.

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.

assessing information to scope multi-discipline investigation and develop an investigation plan

conducting risk assessments which include considerations of evidence, people, work health and safety, the integrity of the investigation, and the environment

undertaking planning activities to achieve forensic investigative outcomes

acquiring, monitoring and deploying resources

recording information using jurisdictional information management systems

leading a team and managing personnel in a multi-discipline investigation

communicating with stakeholders

applying time management principles and prioritising examination process and workloads

managing the safety, security, correct use and storage of resources (including equipment from other agencies)

solving complex problems related to resource availability and competing priorities

recording critical decisions

evaluating information for the forensic investigation

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.

jurisdictional policies and procedures related to crime scene investigation, occupational/work health and safety, case management systems, human resources, forensic investigations and multi-agency investigations

roles and responsibilities of other disciplines, agencies and organisations related to multi-discipline complex investigations

available financial, human and physical resources

security classifications and access to levels of information

risk assessment and management theory and practices

cross jurisdictional legislation which impacts upon the conduct of investigations

duty of care and workplace safety responsibilities

specialist assistance available to assist with forensic investigations

This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.

Consideration must be given to holistic assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the companion volumes.

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. Plan a multi-discipline forensic scene investigation

1.1 Assess types of evidence and the nature of the scene/incident to determine need for a multi-discipline investigation.

1.2 Conduct a preliminary assessment to identify information necessary for the development of the forensic investigation plan.

1.3 Assess information to identify nature of situation, objectives, options for multi-discipline response, and prioritisation and sequencing of examinations.

1.4 Evaluate options for multi-discipline response to select and record a course of action.

1.5 Identify forensic disciplines required for the investigation to determine the scope of their involvement in the response.

1.6 Assess risks to the integrity of forensic investigation, and safety and welfare of personnel in order to develop mitigation.

2. Coordinate resources of a multi-discipline forensic scene investigation

2.1 Identify resource requirements from each discipline to facilitate multi-discipline response.

2.2 Negotiate with stakeholders to allocate resources and action plan taskings to areas and/or personnel.

2.3 Deploy resources to conduct action plan taskings.

2.4 Monitor resource usage to maximise use of resources and investigation outcomes.

2.5 Establish records to substantiate critical decisions and for reporting purposes.

2.6 Monitor forensic scene investigation to ensure welfare and safety of individuals.

2.7 Liaise with stakeholders for reporting and briefing purposes.

2.8 Assess the multi-disciplinary investigation continually to adjust the action plan accordingly.

3. Review a multi-discipline forensic scene investigation

3.1 Evaluate completed tasks to determine whether the forensic objectives of the action plan and investigation have been met.

3.2 Liaise with team to identify incomplete and/or additional tasks for actioning.

3.3 Analyse preliminary results of the forensic investigation for information and reporting purposes.

3.4 Communicate scene/preliminary results for hand-over purposes.

3.5 Facilitate assessment of the welfare of the team for actioning and referral purposes.

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.

assessing information to scope multi-discipline investigation and develop an investigation plan

conducting risk assessments which include considerations of evidence, people, work health and safety, the integrity of the investigation, and the environment

undertaking planning activities to achieve forensic investigative outcomes

acquiring, monitoring and deploying resources

recording information using jurisdictional information management systems

leading a team and managing personnel in a multi-discipline investigation

communicating with stakeholders

applying time management principles and prioritising examination process and workloads

managing the safety, security, correct use and storage of resources (including equipment from other agencies)

solving complex problems related to resource availability and competing priorities

recording critical decisions

evaluating information for the forensic investigation

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.

jurisdictional policies and procedures related to crime scene investigation, occupational/work health and safety, case management systems, human resources, forensic investigations and multi-agency investigations

roles and responsibilities of other disciplines, agencies and organisations related to multi-discipline complex investigations

available financial, human and physical resources

security classifications and access to levels of information

risk assessment and management theory and practices

cross jurisdictional legislation which impacts upon the conduct of investigations

duty of care and workplace safety responsibilities

specialist assistance available to assist with forensic investigations

This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.

Consideration must be given to holistic assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the companion volumes.

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
Assess types of evidence and the nature of the scene/incident to determine need for a multi-discipline investigation. 
Conduct a preliminary assessment to identify information necessary for the development of the forensic investigation plan. 
Assess information to identify nature of situation, objectives, options for multi-discipline response, and prioritisation and sequencing of examinations. 
Evaluate options for multi-discipline response to select and record a course of action. 
Identify forensic disciplines required for the investigation to determine the scope of their involvement in the response. 
Assess risks to the integrity of forensic investigation, and safety and welfare of personnel in order to develop mitigation. 
Identify resource requirements from each discipline to facilitate multi-discipline response. 
Negotiate with stakeholders to allocate resources and action plan taskings to areas and/or personnel. 
Deploy resources to conduct action plan taskings. 
Monitor resource usage to maximise use of resources and investigation outcomes. 
Establish records to substantiate critical decisions and for reporting purposes. 
Monitor forensic scene investigation to ensure welfare and safety of individuals. 
Liaise with stakeholders for reporting and briefing purposes. 
Assess the multi-disciplinary investigation continually to adjust the action plan accordingly. 
Evaluate completed tasks to determine whether the forensic objectives of the action plan and investigation have been met. 
Liaise with team to identify incomplete and/or additional tasks for actioning. 
Analyse preliminary results of the forensic investigation for information and reporting purposes. 
Communicate scene/preliminary results for hand-over purposes. 
Facilitate assessment of the welfare of the team for actioning and referral purposes. 
Assess types of evidence and the nature of the scene/incident to determine need for a multi-discipline investigation. 
Conduct a preliminary assessment to identify information necessary for the development of the forensic investigation plan. 
Assess information to identify nature of situation, objectives, options for multi-discipline response, and prioritisation and sequencing of examinations. 
Evaluate options for multi-discipline response to select and record a course of action. 
Identify forensic disciplines required for the investigation to determine the scope of their involvement in the response. 
Assess risks to the integrity of forensic investigation, and safety and welfare of personnel in order to develop mitigation. 
Identify resource requirements from each discipline to facilitate multi-discipline response. 
Negotiate with stakeholders to allocate resources and action plan taskings to areas and/or personnel. 
Deploy resources to conduct action plan taskings. 
Monitor resource usage to maximise use of resources and investigation outcomes. 
Establish records to substantiate critical decisions and for reporting purposes. 
Monitor forensic scene investigation to ensure welfare and safety of individuals. 
Liaise with stakeholders for reporting and briefing purposes. 
Assess the multi-disciplinary investigation continually to adjust the action plan accordingly. 
Evaluate completed tasks to determine whether the forensic objectives of the action plan and investigation have been met. 
Liaise with team to identify incomplete and/or additional tasks for actioning. 
Analyse preliminary results of the forensic investigation for information and reporting purposes. 
Communicate scene/preliminary results for hand-over purposes. 
Facilitate assessment of the welfare of the team for actioning and referral purposes. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

POLFOR003 - Coordinate multi-discipline forensic investigation
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessor name:

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Assessment Record Sheet

POLFOR003 - Coordinate multi-discipline forensic investigation

Student name:

Student ID:

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

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

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