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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Develop forensic discipline expertise
   • Formal/informal discipline-training requirements are completed with identified training programs
   • Internal and/or external competency appraisal is successfully completed prior to undertaking casework in the identified forensic discipline in accordance with procedures and quality system requirements
2. Undertake technical review and proficiency testing
   • External and/or internal proficiency tests in the relevant forensic discipline are completed in accordance with procedures and quality system requirements
   • Case work is technically reviewed in accordance with procedures and quality system requirements
3. Provide expert opinion
   • The subject of the evidence provided is within the scope of the individual's recognised field of expertise
   • The area of expertise is recognised in accordance with organisational and quality system requirements
   • The opinion is based on an interpretation of factual evidence through the application of scientific methodology
   • Alternative hypotheses and limitations of evidence are acknowledged
4. Participate in networks of professional/para-professional colleagues
   • Regular contact and information exchange with colleagues in other organisations is made to capture relevant information
   • Participation in relevant professional/para-professional associations is used to maximise awareness of the forensic environment and maintain a professional network
   • Requests for technical assistance/advice from outside colleagues are addressed as required in accordance with organisational demands/guidelines
5. Review and evaluate relevant scientific literature
   • Literature relating to the forensic discipline is studied to build a practical appreciation of scientific principles and methodologies
   • Relevant contemporary professional journals and publications are identified and reviewed on a regular basis to maintain awareness of recent forensic findings and developments
   • Information search techniques are maintained and applied to access forensic information

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

communication skills giving evidence briefing responding to questions listening writing establishing rapport negotiation conflict resolution presentations analytical decision making and problem solving in responding to the application of specialised forensic discipline knowledge organisational and time management skills collectingrecordingcollating analysingevaluating disseminating information work effectively with a range of professionals manage resources and time research

Required Knowledge

jurisdictional legal parameters for the provision of expert evidence and the admissibility of expert opinion to the courts organisational policy and procedural context in which expert opinionevidence is provided specialist forensic discipline area limitations and boundaries of specialist knowledge forensic investigative techniques quality assurance requirements for discipline specific training casework and reports of findings available professionalparaprofessional support networks resources to support the development of forensic discipline expertise the range of analytical techniques appropriate for the specific forensic discipline the range and strength of conclusions available for the interpretation of results inductivedeductive reasoning

Evidence Required

Not applicable

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Range Statement

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.
Forensic discipline may include	crime scene investigation firearm investigation document examination fingerprints toolmark examination fire scene examination explosion scene examination and may incorporate sub-disciplines such as: toolmarks identification footwear identification fire scene investigation presumptive illicit drug identification poroscopy ridgeology trace evidence examination hair and fibre analysis motor vehicle identification firearm identification
Formal/informal discipline training may include	external training course such as a relevant science/applied science degree diploma or bachelor of forensic investigation programs attachment to external agencies short courses workshops courses of study provided by relevant discipline associations internal training such as workshops, courses, mentoring/coaching, research
Internal and/or external competency appraisal may include	Assessment requirements of independent external accreditation board Assessment requirements of internal accreditation board

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