Assessor Resource

PUAFIR610A
Manage imaging and electronic data

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Application of this unit is relevant to specialist fire investigators who are required to determine the origin and cause of fires.

It focuses on the skills and knowledge required to develop and apply a systematic approach to electronically recording physical evidence at a fire investigation using a range of media.

This unit covers the competency required to electronically record evidence at a fire investigation scene. It includes the use, collection and selection of media, and the analysis and management of associated data.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this 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)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



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.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

maximise the potential evidentiary value of physical evidence collected

capture data relative to specific incident

interpret data in regard to incident origin and cause.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of workplace and/or simulated situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace and in a simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

range of current electronic media

computer-generated graphic software

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to gathering and managing data.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit may include a combination of:

case studies

demonstration

observation

questioning

scenarios

authenticated evidence from the workplace.

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.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

apply resource and time management skills

interpret electronic data

interview witnesses

manage electronic data

present electronic data evidence

use and maintain digital cameras, video/audio/data recording devices

use computer systems

write and communicate in clear, unambiguous language

Required Knowledge

equipment maintenance

integrity of data in networked environments

local/state/territory court requirements for investigations and recording of findings

methods, techniques and equipment for handling and storing evidence to preserve and avoid damage or contamination

OHS practices and procedures

principles of investigation based on scientific method

protocols for recording data files

roles and functions for the recording, collecting, preserving and continuity of data

rules of evidence

safe work practices relating to the use and operation of digital and computer hardware

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Accessories may include:

Batteries

Caps

Covers

Discs

Filters

Lenses

Lighting

Recording devices

Tripods

Electronic equipment may include:

Audio recording

Closed circuit television (CCTV) or other media images

Computer generated data

Detection equipment

Digital images

Digital recording note takers

Digital versatile discs (DVD)

Digital video camera

Electronic visual information

Global positioning system

Long-term media (compact discs [CDs])

Multimedia recording devices

Portable hard drives/servers

Short-term media (compact flash cards)

Video recording

Physical evidence may include:

Any and all objects, gross or microscopic in size

Biological tissue

Blood stain

Clothing

Containers

Documents

Fibres

Fire debris

Living, inanimate, solid objects

New evidence which results in the reopening of an investigation

Paint

Photography (digital, multimedia, CCTV, other media images)

Real, oral, computer data or documentary

Tyre marks, shoe marks, tool marks, fingerprints

Vehicle examinations

Selected techniques may include:

Current photo imaging industry practice

Data enhancement

Digital imaging processes

Exposure meter techniques

Perspective

Labelling of evidence may include:

Date

Details of person/s giving the evidence

Electronic file naming protocols

Location

Person/s collecting the evidence

Time

Data corruption may include:

Chemicals e.g. cleaning agents

Computer virus

Dust and physical damage e.g. crushing and severe shocks

Extreme temperatures

Magnetic fields

Moisture

Data evidence log may include:

Details of devices/equipment used to capture digital evidence

Handling processes of each digital capture

Names and experience of personnel recording digital images and audio recordings

Protocol for saving digital capture e.g. NEF, TIFF, JPEG

Relationship between digital capture and incident scene

Creating, storing and using primary and working copies of data may include:

Database recording/linking digital data to physical evidence and specific incident

Enhancing, reformatting, recycling data

Labelling and storing primary image data to a secured electronic storage device for archiving and copying data for ongoing data review and interpretation

Statutory requirements for retention of evidence

Storing/archiving data to be retained may include consideration of:

Exhibit labels

Packaging medium

Physical nature of exhibit

Storage temperature

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
Occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures appropriate to the incident are followed 
Scene is assessed to identify and confirm data to be captured electronically 
Process for data capture is determined in accordance with agency guidelines and legislative requirements 
Appropriate equipment and accessories are selected according to the specific requirements of the incident 
Personnel are briefed on capture process, and required quality and quantity of evidence 
Electronic equipment is used to capture physical evidence in accordance with agency procedures 
Selected techniques for capture of data are tested and modified where necessary 
Electronic record of physical evidence is documented and labelled in accordance with agency and legal requirements to ensure continuity, authenticity and integrity of evidence 
Evidence captured is protected from data corruption 
Data evidence log is completed and maintained 
Data is assessed to support findings 
Data is collated and selected 
Selected evidence is prepared for use in reports and/or presentations 
Process for capturing evidence is maintained and audited 
Primary and working copies of data collected are created, stored and used where required 
Data is disseminated according to agency and legislative requirements 
Data identified for disposal is eliminated in line with agency, legal and environmental requirements 
Data to be retained is documented, stored/archived to ensure continuity and non-contamination/degradation of evidence in line with agency and legal requirements 
Process for capturing evidence is maintained and audited 
Primary and working copies of data collected are created, stored and used where required 
Data is disseminated according to agency and legislative requirements 
Data identified for disposal is eliminated in line with agency, legal and environmental requirements 
Data to be retained is documented, stored/archived to ensure continuity and non-contamination/degradation of evidence in line with agency and legal requirements 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PUAFIR610A - Manage imaging and electronic data
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

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

PUAFIR610A - Manage imaging and electronic data

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:

Date: