Application
This unit describes the skills required to perform a detailed investigation of complex crime/incident scenes. This will include planning for and managing complex crime/incident scene investigations, examining evidence and reviewing the examination.
This unit applies to specialist police staff as part of the forensic investigation of complex 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 quality management, forensic investigations, and work health and safety (WHS).
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 while performing sophisticated tasks 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. Develop plan for complex crime/incident scene investigation | 1.1 Establish type and nature of incident to determine the methodology and resource requirements. 1.2 Conduct an initial assessment of the incident to identify potential risks. 1.3 Assess the incident to determine what additional services may be required to progress the investigation. 1.4 Assess the forensic investigation plan continually to adjust to developments within the incident scene and/or new information. 1.5 Analyse information to develop a forensic investigation plan. |
2. Manage complex crime/incident scene investigation | 2.1 Conduct an initial assessment of scene/s to prioritise the order of examination and collection of evidence. 2.2 Perform a methodical search to identify and locate physical evidence. 2.3 Determine the sequencing of evidence collection and the use of resources to maximise evidentiary value. 2.4 Apply evidence collection techniques and sequencing to preserve evidence and prevent contamination. 2.5 Evaluate the evidence collection techniques to identify whether further evidence collection is required. 2.6 Interpret physical evidence and available information in order to develop a hypothesis. 2.7 Perform reconstructions and/or testing regimes to test hypothesis. 2.8 Negotiate stakeholder requirements throughout the forensic investigation. 2.9 Assess the incident continually to identify and manage potential risks. |
3. Apply specialist forensic techniques | 3.1 Assess evidence to determine whether specialist forensic techniques and evidence enhancement methods are required. 3.2 Select recording methods to maximise evidentiary value. 3.3 Record characteristics of evidence for further specialist analysis. 3.4 Select collection and preservation techniques to protect evidence and prevent loss or cross contamination. 3.5 Apply evidence enhancement methods to maximise evidentiary value. 3.6 Facilitate the analysis of evidence by specialists for interpretation/identification purposes. |
4. Review examination critically | 4.1 Summarise information gathered during the forensic investigation to develop initial interpretations. 4.2 Assess the outcomes of the forensic investigation to reach a conclusion for recording and reporting purposes. 4.3 Analyse the outcomes of the examination to inform the current investigation. 4.4 Review forensic investigation and outcomes of examination to determine whether investigative needs have been met. 4.5 Liaise with stakeholders to determine whether further forensic investigation is required. |
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.
analysing information to establish type of incident, resources required, and risks
locating and identifying evidence, using evidence collection techniques
interpreting, developing and testing hypotheses
liaising with internal and external agencies, services and specialists
identifying the need for, and facilitating, specialist forensic analysis of evidence
recording, collecting and preserving evidence
applying specialised forensic technology when investigating complex scene/incidents, including reconstructions, enhancement techniques and testing
applying scientific principles to interpret information
communicating with diverse stakeholders and interpreting complex concepts for diverse audiences
applying scientific methodology to support forensic analyses, logical thinking and problem solving within a crime/incident scene investigation
evaluating and reviewing examinations and their results
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 policies and procedures that relate to multi-agency operations, quality management systems, and forensic investigations
jurisdictional standards related to forensic science and investigations
jurisdictional legislation related to Coroners Acts, Police Acts and regulations, forensic procedures and Criminal Investigation Acts
application and limitations of forensic investigative techniques used when investigating complex crimes/incidents
court procedures, evidentiary requirements and their influence on forensic investigations knowledge of specialist forensic disciplines, the type of examinations they conduct and their requirements
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.
Consideration must be given to holistic assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the companion volumes.
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