Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

POLFOR024 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Detect, record and collect forensic evidence

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency POLFOR024 - Detect, record and collect forensic evidence
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit describes the skills required to detect, record and collect forensic evidence in order to maximise the potential evidentiary value of exhibits. This may be applied in the field at incident/crime scenes or in a laboratory.This unit applies to those working as police staff involved in forensic examination.The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to work health and safety (WHS). Those undertaking this role would work autonomously while remaining responsible for reporting to senior staff. They would demonstrate adaptability across a broad range of contexts while performing a range of complex tasks. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.

Consideration must be given to practical assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the companion volumes.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Forensics
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: 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.
       
Element: 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.
       
Element: 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.
       
Element: 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.
       
Element: 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.
       
Element: 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.
       
Element: 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.
       
Element: 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.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Detect physical evidence

1.1 Apply search methods, observation techniques and technical methods to detect forensic evidence.

1.2 Apply screening techniques to assist in locating forensic evidence.

1.3 Assess forensic evidence to identify potential contamination or loss.

1.4 Preserve forensic evidence to maximise evidentiary value.

1.5 Assess evidence to determine suitability for recording and collection.

2. Record physical evidence

2.1 Identify recording methods to document forensic evidence and scene.

2.2 Apply enhancement techniques to assist in recording forensic evidence.

2.3 Document details of scene and evidence using note-taking techniques.

2.4 Sketch scene and physical evidence for recording purposes.

2.5 Photograph details of scene and evidence for recording purposes.

2.6 Select markers and scales to accurately represent characteristics and information of the scene.

3. Collect physical evidence

3.1 Apply swab, lifting and hand picking techniques to gather evidence and reference samples.

3.2 Gather impression evidence using photography, casting and lifting techniques.

3.3 Gather exhibits for further forensic examination.

4. Package forensic evidence

4.1 Select packaging technique to prevent degradation or contamination.

4.2 Label items to ensure easy identification.

4.3 Seal items to maintain integrity and prevent contamination.

4.4 Assess items to determine if aeration is required.

4.5 Store items to maintain integrity and continuity and to prevent degradation.

4.6 Record details of evidence to enter into case notes and/or exhibit register and to maintain continuity.

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

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

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Detect physical evidence

1.1 Apply search methods, observation techniques and technical methods to detect forensic evidence.

1.2 Apply screening techniques to assist in locating forensic evidence.

1.3 Assess forensic evidence to identify potential contamination or loss.

1.4 Preserve forensic evidence to maximise evidentiary value.

1.5 Assess evidence to determine suitability for recording and collection.

2. Record physical evidence

2.1 Identify recording methods to document forensic evidence and scene.

2.2 Apply enhancement techniques to assist in recording forensic evidence.

2.3 Document details of scene and evidence using note-taking techniques.

2.4 Sketch scene and physical evidence for recording purposes.

2.5 Photograph details of scene and evidence for recording purposes.

2.6 Select markers and scales to accurately represent characteristics and information of the scene.

3. Collect physical evidence

3.1 Apply swab, lifting and hand picking techniques to gather evidence and reference samples.

3.2 Gather impression evidence using photography, casting and lifting techniques.

3.3 Gather exhibits for further forensic examination.

4. Package forensic evidence

4.1 Select packaging technique to prevent degradation or contamination.

4.2 Label items to ensure easy identification.

4.3 Seal items to maintain integrity and prevent contamination.

4.4 Assess items to determine if aeration is required.

4.5 Store items to maintain integrity and continuity and to prevent degradation.

4.6 Record details of evidence to enter into case notes and/or exhibit register and to maintain continuity.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
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. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
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. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

POLFOR024 - Detect, record and collect forensic evidence
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

POLFOR024 - Detect, record and collect forensic evidence

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: