Application
This unit describes the skills required to conduct and facilitate the analysis of forensic evidence.
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.
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. Evaluate exhibits | 1.1 Inspect exhibits to ensure integrity has not been compromised. 1.2 Assess case information and exhibit to determine sequence of examination. 1.3 Prioritise examination of exhibits in accordance with investigation requirements. |
2. Handle exhibits | 2.1 Complete documentation in accordance with evidentiary requirements. 2.2 Record information using jurisdictional information management systems. 2.3 Store exhibit to ensure continuity, integrity and security. |
3. Facilitate examination by forensic practitioners | 3.1 Assess evidence to identify examination requirements. 3.2 Liaise with stakeholders to ensure relevance of examinations. 3.3 Communicate examination requirements to forensic practitioners. 3.4 Coordinate logistics of examination with other forensic practitioners. 3.5 Document movement of exhibits to ensure continuity, security and integrity. |
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.
evaluating exhibits to determine examination requirements, including sequence and priority
handling exhibits to preserve continuity of evidence
using jurisdictional information management systems
communicating with stakeholders to facilitate and ensure relevance of examinations
coordinating logistics of examination with other forensic practitioners
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 legislation, policies and procedures relating to forensic examination, workplace health and safety, quality systems and exhibit management and handling
role and function of forensic discipline specialists in the examination of forensic evidence
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