Application
This unit describes the skills required to gather and collate information and obvious and accessible electronic evidence from the scene of an incident and identify potential witnesses. In the context of this unit, electronic evidence may include computer hard drives, recording media, flash drives, tape drives or digital and analogue recording and communications equipment. It includes maintaining the chain of evidential record.
This unit applies to those working in the gathering and analysis of electronic information.
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 relating to WHS, recording details of witnesses, and the search and seizure of electronic evidence.
Those undertaking this unit would work independently or as part of a team, under indirect supervision, while performing complex tasks in a broad range of contexts. They must be able to use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
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. Conduct initial assessment of scene | 1.1 Assess the scene. 1.2 Establish communication with the senior investigating officer and maintain liaison throughout the investigation. 1.3 Ascertain the circumstances surrounding the scene through visual assessment and reports from other personnel. 1.4 Define/redefine the scene boundaries as required to preserve physical evidence for collection. 1.5 Locate obvious and accessible electronic evidence and, where appropriate, protect from possible contamination. |
2. Control integrity of scene | 2.1 Establish and maintain appropriate arrangements for scene access and egress. 2.2 Identify and access additional resources required to secure incident scene. |
3. Examine scene | 3.1 Instigate an appropriate search pattern to ensure all electronic evidence is located and preserved. 3.2 Record details of the scene and types of electronic equipment and media. 3.3 Locate, collect, package, label and store electronic evidence to ensure preservation for further examination. 3.4 Maintain a log of all evidence. |
4. Identify potential witnesses and record initial statements | 4.1 Identify and record names and contact details of potential witnesses. 4.2 Record initial statement using appropriate recording practices. |
Evidence of Performance
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.
conducting the initial assessment of the scene
identifying witnesses
recording and compiling records of interview and statements accurately
maximising the potential evidentiary value of the electronic evidence
paying attention to detail
implementing a methodical and systematic approach
questioning potential witnesses
using recording and specialised evidence collection equipment
working with a variety of professionals
taking and compiling statements
collecting and recording electronic evidence
protecting from contamination evidence including at least one of computer hard drives, recording media, flash drives, and digital and analogue recording and communications equipment
managing access and egress by establishing:
clear brief as to who has control of access
physical barriers
roster guards
limited entry to essential personnel
delegation of authority to control entry
record of all persons who enter or depart the scene
Evidence of Knowledge
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.
legislative, policy and quality system context and requirements
details of scene features and use of a variety of specialised equipment
functions and roles of other professionals and experts
incident scene protection and preservation
indicators of need for specialised investigations
policies and procedures relating to recording details of persons
public safety and duty of care at incident scene
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations, with access to electronic devices with content suitable for forensic extraction including mobile devices, computers or communications equipment.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
ACSF levels indicative of performance:
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Electronic Forensics