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

Required Skills

analyse make decisions and solve problems in responding to a range of physical evidence contexts including the systematic examination of items of physical evidence

collect package and preserve specific evidence types

communicate in writing clearly and unambiguously

handle exhibits and preserve continuity of evidence

maintain operational safety

manage resources and time effectively

use specialised evidence recording equipment as required

Required Knowledge

application and potential limitations of forensic investigative techniques

legislative policy and quality system context in which forensic examinations are conducted

legislative policy and quality system requirements for search and the seizure of physical evidence

legislative policy and quality system requirements for collecting preserving continuity and disposing of exhibits

legislative policy and quality system requirements for the security protection and preservation of the evidence

OHampS practices to be followed when recording collecting and packaging physical evidence

range of techniques available for the recording collecting packaging and preserving physical evidence

required forensic documentation for the recording and collection of physical evidence

role and functions of other forensic discipline specialists in the recording collection preservation and continuity of physical evidence

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

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 the exhibit

Consistency in performance

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed onthejob or in a simulated work environment

This unit must be assessed against the relevant discipline such as Crime Scenes Fingerprints Documents Firearms Toolmarks Fire and Explosion Criminalistics or Biology

Competency in this unit in one particular discipline does not imply competence in any other forensic discipline in this same unit

Specific resources for assessment

There are no specific resource requirements for this unit

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision andor mentoring which is typically recorded in a competency workbook

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industryapproved simulated work environment Forms of assessment that are typically used include

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions

Incident/crime scenes may include:

Laboratory examinations may include:

Physical evidence may include:

Detection methods may include:

Natural variation refers to:

Control/reference samples refers to:

Recording methods can be:

Evidence collection methods may include:

Packaging and storing to maintain continuity and prevent degradation or contamination may include consideration of: