Application
This unit describes the skills required to apply specialised forensic techniques within crime scene investigations. This includes identifying, enhancing, recording and analysing evidence.
This unit applies to specialist police staff as part of the forensic investigation of crime or incident scenes.
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 continuity of evidence, forensic information management, work health and safety (WHS) and quality management.
Those undertaking this unit would be required to work autonomously and as part of a team. They would demonstrate the ability to critically analyse and evaluate crime scene related evidence to develop and test hypotheses. They would demonstrate knowledge of sciences as they apply to crime scene investigation. They would perform sophisticated tasks requiring strong adaptability across a broad range of unpredictable contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to 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. |
1.1 Identify physical characteristics of biological evidence materials to determine their evidentiary value. 1.2 Identify physical characteristics of non-biological evidence materials to determine their evidentiary value. | |
2.1 Select advanced forensic techniques for the examination of trace/gross biological and non-biological evidence material. 2.2 Identify presumptive and/or confirmatory tests to determine sequence of forensic processing. 2.3 Conduct field based presumptive and/or confirmatory tests to determine the evidentiary value. 2.4 Select enhancement techniques and their sequence to maximise evidentiary value. 2.5 Conduct enhancement techniques to assist in location, recording, collection and interpretation of physical evidence. | |
3.1 Identify options for comparative analysis technique/s to maximise evidentiary value. 3.2 Select comparative analysis technique/s to maximise evidentiary value. 3.3 Conduct comparative analysis examinations to establish an opinion on inclusion/exclusion or insufficiency. 3.4 Verify examination results to substantiate the opinion on individualisation, inclusion/exclusion or insufficiency. 3.5 Record examination and results to substantiate the opinion. | |
4.1 Assess crime/incident scene to select photographic technique/s. 4.2 Apply photographic techniques in a methodical and sequential manner to record scene/incident/evidence. 4.3 Apply light theory to determine techniques for photographic recording of evidence. 4.4 Manage continuity of photographic images used for specialist examinations. | |
5.1 Assess human body to locate evidence. 5.2 Select enhancement techniques and their sequence to locate, record and collect evidence. 5.3 Apply forensic techniques to record and collect evidence from human body. 5.4 Interpret the nature of wounds/injuries to inform the investigation. 5.5 Interpret characteristics of human body associated with death to inform the investigation. 5.6 Compare available information with examination of human body to verify or disprove information. | |
6.1 Review examination results for reliability and justification. 6.2 Evaluate significance of the evidence to form a conclusion or opinion within the context of the investigation. 6.3 Gather further information on evidence to validate conclusions/opinions. 6.4 Collate information related to the forensic investigation for reporting purposes. |
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.
assessing characteristics of biological and non-biological evidence
identifying and applying advanced forensic techniques to examine evidence
determining sequence of examinations
identifying and applying enhancement techniques
performing comparative analyses through the application of advanced forensic techniques
recording information
applying scientific methodology to support forensic analyses, logical thinking and problem solving within a crime/incident scene investigation
demonstrating forensic photographic techniques to record results, including exposure, lighting, viewpoints and composition
recording results in complex photographic situations, including macro, highly reflective or curved surfaces, low contrast and large scale low light circumstances, and multi-colour/multi contrast instances
managing continuity of evidence
using specialised forensic technology and equipment
identifying, enhancing, recording, collecting and analysing evidence using various techniques
gathering and collating information
interpreting and evaluating information and opinions to inform the investigation
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.
jurisdictional coronial and criminal legislation related to forensic investigation
jurisdictional information management systems
jurisdictional policies and procedures related to forensic investigations, including quality management systems, occupational/workplace health and safety, forensic photography and expert evidence
fundamental principles of physics and how they are applied within a forensic environment (including mechanics and motion, forces, trajectory, electricity)
fundamental principles of mathematics and how they are applied/calculated within a forensic environment (including trigonometry, triangulation)
fundamental principles of chemistry (including behaviour of acids and bases, catalytic reactions)
fundamental principles of biology (including molecular biology, cell structure function and replication, serology)
human anatomy and physiology (including terminology, structural organisation, body systems, death processes and indicators)
scientific methodology
five stages of Disaster Victim Identification
principles and definitions of comparative analysis (including pattern recognition, class and individual characteristics)
advanced forensic techniques (including optical, physical and chemical enhancement)
supporting scientific principles and operating principles of specialised forensic techniques
limitations and sensitivity of presumptive/confirmatory tests
illumination techniques (including visible, polarising, bright and dark field techniques)
post-mortem medical process and procedures
Assessment Conditions
This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.
This unit has been identified by industry as suitable for holistic assessment. Refer to advice in the Assessment Guide.
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.
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
Forensics