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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Detect physical evidence
   • Apply search methods, observation techniques and technical methods to detect forensic evidence.
   • Apply screening techniques to assist in locating forensic evidence.
   • Assess forensic evidence to identify potential contamination or loss.
   • Preserve forensic evidence to maximise evidentiary value.
   • Assess evidence to determine suitability for recording and collection.
2. Record physical evidence
   • Identify recording methods to document forensic evidence and scene.
   • Apply enhancement techniques to assist in recording forensic evidence.
   • Document details of scene and evidence using note-taking techniques.
   • Sketch scene and physical evidence for recording purposes.
   • Photograph details of scene and evidence for recording purposes.
   • Select markers and scales to accurately represent characteristics and information of the scene.
3. Collect physical evidence
   • Apply swab, lifting and hand picking techniques to gather evidence and reference samples.
   • Gather impression evidence using photography, casting and lifting techniques.
   • Gather exhibits for further forensic examination.
4. Package forensic evidence
   • Select packaging technique to prevent degradation or contamination.
   • Label items to ensure easy identification.
   • Seal items to maintain integrity and prevent contamination.
   • Assess items to determine if aeration is required.
   • Store items to maintain integrity and continuity and to prevent degradation.
   • Record details of evidence to enter into case notes and/or exhibit register and to maintain continuity.
5. Detect physical evidence
   • Apply search methods, observation techniques and technical methods to detect forensic evidence.
   • Apply screening techniques to assist in locating forensic evidence.
   • Assess forensic evidence to identify potential contamination or loss.
   • Preserve forensic evidence to maximise evidentiary value.
   • Assess evidence to determine suitability for recording and collection.
6. Record physical evidence
   • Identify recording methods to document forensic evidence and scene.
   • Apply enhancement techniques to assist in recording forensic evidence.
   • Document details of scene and evidence using note-taking techniques.
   • Sketch scene and physical evidence for recording purposes.
   • Photograph details of scene and evidence for recording purposes.
   • Select markers and scales to accurately represent characteristics and information of the scene.
7. Collect physical evidence
   • Apply swab, lifting and hand picking techniques to gather evidence and reference samples.
   • Gather impression evidence using photography, casting and lifting techniques.
   • Gather exhibits for further forensic examination.
8. Package forensic evidence
   • Select packaging technique to prevent degradation or contamination.
   • Label items to ensure easy identification.
   • Seal items to maintain integrity and prevent contamination.
   • Assess items to determine if aeration is required.
   • Store items to maintain integrity and continuity and to prevent degradation.
   • Record details of evidence to enter into case notes and/or exhibit register and to maintain continuity.

Performance Evidence

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.

detecting forensic evidence using search methods, observation techniques, technical methods and screening techniques

identifying collection, recording, and packaging requirements in accordance with evidence type

recording details of scene and physical evidence using notes, sketches and photographs

collecting, packaging and preserving different evidence types

handling exhibits to preserve continuity of evidence

maintaining records of forensic evidence using jurisdictional information management systems

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Knowledge Evidence

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 legislation, policies and procedures relating to forensic examination, workplace health and safety, quality systems, exhibit handling, and intimate samples and authorisations

potential risks associated with a range of field and laboratory activities

techniques for the recording, collection, packaging and preserving of evidence

application and potential limitation of forensic examination techniques

role and function of other forensic disciplines in the recording, collection and preservation of forensic evidence

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