Application
This unit describes the skills required to develop expertise in forensic crime scene investigation. This will include conducting applied research, presenting expert evidence, conducting peer reviews, and maintaining discipline expertise.
This unit applies to specialist police staff as part of their involvement in the forensic crime scene investigation discipline.
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, case management systems, 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 manage a research project, conduct peer reviews, and provide expert evidence. 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. Conduct applied research | 1.1 Develop hypothesis to guide research proposal. 1.2 Conduct a literature review using various search techniques. 1.3 Justify the research proposal in relation to the forensic discipline supported by the jurisdiction. 1.4 Analyse research methodology in terms of suitability and potential limitations. 1.5 Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of data/information collection techniques. 1.6 Identify factors that may impact on reliability and validity of the results to protect the integrity of the research project. 1.7 Identify resources for the research taking into consideration cost, availability and access. 1.8 Identify alternative resources or methodologies to ensure that the scope of the research project is met. 1.9 Evaluate hypothesis against the analysis findings and legal and ethical considerations. 1.10 Review data and research findings for accuracy and compliance with legal requirements. 1.11 Report research findings to inform broader forensic community. |
2. Form an expert opinion | 2.1 Evaluate information relevant to the investigation critically to form an expert opinion. 2.2 Develop alternative hypotheses to test the expert opinion. 2.3 Test hypotheses against information using scientific methodology. 2.4 Identify the most likely hypothesis to form a basis for the opinion. 2.5 Acknowledge limitations of the information/evidence when providing an expert opinion. 2.6 Identify assumptions and factual premises on which evidence is based to support the expert opinion. 2.7 Assess the expert opinion to determine whether it withstands scrutiny. 2.8 Justify opinions by explaining the process of reasoning. |
3. Present expert opinion | 3.1 Validate expert opinion using peer review. 3.2 Report expert opinion to inform investigation. 3.3 Prepare demonstrative tools to assist provision of expert evidence. 3.4 Deliver expert opinion to aid judicial enquiry process. 3.5 Review expert opinion and delivery to identify future improvements. |
4. Undertake peer case work review | 4.1 Review case work within a quality management system to validate results. 4.2 Review information in a case file to determine quality, accuracy and completeness. 4.3 Form an independent opinion from reviewed information in isolation from the case file opinion. 4.4 Compare the independent opinion with the case findings for verification purposes. 4.5 Communicate feedback to the original author of the case file. |
5. Evaluate scientific literature and research findings critically | 5.1 Identify sources of contemporary information that may be relevant to forensic investigations. 5.2 Evaluate contemporary information to determine potential applicability and suitability within forensic investigations. 5.3 Develop recommendations on better practice based on contemporary research and literature. |
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.
developing research proposals, including hypotheses, jurisdictional context and research methodology
collecting and collating information from diverse sources
evaluating applied research proposals
conducting applied research and presenting findings
communicating information that includes the description of a complex opinion/point of view/argument in a clear, concise manner to a wide range of audiences
interpreting and analysing information critically to develop opinions
justify conclusions/opinions and their rationale
liaising with peers to review opinions of self and others
presenting opinion evidence and reflecting on outcomes
evaluating forensic information and its application to own professional context
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 quality management systems
case law, current legislation pertaining to investigations, the legal provision of expert evidence (including admissibility of expert evidence)
federal court guidelines
forensic disciplines
jurisdictional policies and procedures related to the authority to provide expert evidence
own limitations and the boundaries of expert knowledge
range and strength of opinions available for the interpretation of results, awareness of impact on jury
knowledge of sources of research and information related to forensic science
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.
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