Elements and Performance Criteria
- Evaluate scene and determine investigative regime
- Authority to search is obtained or verified, as necessary, through required channels
- Occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements are met
- Incident scene security is confirmed, according to agency requirements
- Fire scene is systematically observed
- Physical evidence is detected using appropriate observationtechniques and technological methods
- Collect and record physical evidence
- Evidence collection plan and evidence recording process are established, in accordance with organisational guidelines and legislative requirements
- Items of physical evidence are recorded prior to collection
- Liaison with technical specialists is initiated regarding appropriateness, collection, preservation, handling and transportation of evidential samples to be collected, as required
- Latent evidence is collected/detected by physical or chemical means
- Quality and quantity of samples are collected to ensure accuracy and sufficiency
- Evidence is labelled and documented in accordance with agency requirements to ensure continuity of evidence
- Store, process and transport evidence
- Physical evidence is packaged and stored to maintain continuity and to prevent degradation, contamination and spoliation
- Appropriate documentation is completed by all persons handling or in possession of evidence, in accordance with evidentiary requirements and organisational guidelines
- Details of evidence collected are entered in case notes, evidence/data management systems, and where appropriate, in the exhibit register
- Movement of exhibits for examination occurs according to organisational procedures to ensure continuity, security and integrity of the evidence
- Verbal and written summaries/reports are made in accordance with agency requirements
- Coordinate the analysis process
- Team approach to an examination is used to ensure all parties conduct examination prior to any damage occurring
- Appropriate sequencing of evidence examination is followed
- Technical specialists are appropriately briefed regarding range of tests/examinations of the evidence sought to be undertaken
- Feedback and advice is received from technical specialists regarding range of tests/examination outcomes of the evidence as relevant, suitable or practicable
- Results are interpreted in consultation with technical specialists
- Data is documented and report is finalised in accordance with agency and legal requirements
- Retention/disposal of evidence is completed according to agency requirements