Diploma of Public Safety (Forensic Investigation)

Not applicable.


Subjects

9 units of competency are required for this qualification:

9 core units

Code

Core Units

add topic PUAPOLFC002B

Maintain a safe forensic working environment

add topic PUAPOLFC003B

Detect, record and collect physical evidence

add topic PUAPOLFC004B

Evaluate and document cases and facilitate analyses

add topic PUAPOLFC005B

Prepare and submit forensic documentation

add topic PUAPOLFC006B

Contribute to and comply with quality systems

add topic PUAPOLFC008B

Process and interpret comparative evidence

add topic PUAPOLFC022A

Prepare and present specialist forensic evidence or opinion

add topic PUAPOLFC029A

Use and maintain specialist forensic equipment

add topic PUATEA002B

Work autonomously

NOTE

Information about customising PUA12 Public Safety Training Package qualifications in the Customisation of Qualifications section.


Pathways...

    Pathways into the qualification

    In the public safety industry, qualification pathways depend on a range of factors specific to each industry such as organisational/agency structure, promotional structure and rank structure.

    Policing qualifications have been developed to set agreed minimum standards for police personnel that should be contextualised within the specifics of each Police jurisdiction/ agency/organisational policy and procedure.

    A recruit will join a Police agency, generally become a Police Officer and subsequently move into a specialist role (such as a supervisor, detective, dog handler, scientific officer etc.).

    Therefore, the recruit will be equipped vocationally with generic Police competencies, and often move into a supervising, managing, leading role or into a technical specialist role.

    Civilian employees are usually employed within an agency to perform a specific role but can then move laterally or vertically. Therefore, civilians would be given the opportunity to demonstrate previous experience or present relevant qualifications.

    Pathways for candidates considering this qualification may include:

    achievement of the PUA50212 Diploma of Public Safety (Policing)

    completion of police jurisdictional specific training

    achievement of partial or full, higher and vocational qualifications relevant to forensic investigation

    entry points that demonstrate potential to undertake vocational education and training at this qualification level, such as vocational experience within a range of environments such as policing, forensic and other relevant environments or relevant work experience in such environments.

    Pathways from the qualification

    After achieving the PUA50312 Diploma of Public Safety (Forensic Investigation), candidates may undertake a range of qualifications relevant to their role, either to contribute to further technical expertise in a specialist area or to move to a supervising or managing role. Pathways for candidates considering this qualification may include to:

    commence the PUA60312 Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Forensic Investigation)


Entry Requirements

Not applicable.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

Employability Skills are part of a unit of competency.

Employability Skills statements from a selection of units of competency from the PUA50312 Diploma of Public Safety (Forensic Investigation) have been reproduced in the table below.

This table provides an example of Employability Skills for the qualification because Employability Skills within a qualification will vary depending on the qualification packaging options.

Public Safety qualifications have core units (which must be achieved) and elective units (where there is a choice of units which must be achieved) so different Employability Skills Summaries are possible within the one qualification, depending on the package of core units and chosen elective units.

Employability Skill

Employability Skills Statement

Communication

communicate in writing (clearly and unambiguously)

communicate orally (listen, establish rapport, negotiate, resolve conflict)

record physical evidence prior to examination to ensure continuity and accuracy

Teamwork

discuss and document logistics of the examination with other forensic practitioners as required

effectively communicate safety issues/concerns to colleagues, supervisors and when necessary other emergency service workers and the public

work effectively with a range of practitioners

Problem solving

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

implement corrective action to address non-conformance

minimise workplace risks to self, colleagues and the public

Initiative and enterprise

assess need for specialist and/or external agency assistance and request where necessary

identify and report non-conformance of laboratory practice in accordance with quality system requirements

identify system improvements and deficiencies and convey to management

Planning and organising

analyse task requirements and implement strategies to successfully examine and record forensic evidence

organise work effectively

plan, implement and where necessary adapt workplace safety responses to situational contexts

Selfmanagement

confirm arrangements, role and involvement in proceedings

evaluate involvement in the judicial proceedings to inform future practice

follow instructions and directions

Learning

learn about general duty of care responsibilities

learn about organisational policy and procedures covering safety issues/practices

learn about legislative and procedural requirements for the security, protection and preservation of evidence

Technology

accurately use recording equipment and processes to produce evidence that is acceptable in courts

take forensic photographs

use discipline specific laboratory equipment, such as fingerprinting equipment, computer software, photographic equipment