Application
This unit describes the skills required to prepare and present evidence, statements and submissions in order to contribute to forensic investigations. This includes the stages of planning, presenting and reviewing evidence.
This unit applies to those working as police staff involved in forensic investigation.
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 routine 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. Prepare forensic documentation | 1.1 Document results to ensure quality and consistency. 1.2 Provide information in reports that conveys outcomes of examinations. 1.3 Identify whether content of report is within own role and responsibility. 1.4 Submit reports to ensure timeliness of results. |
2. Prepare for proceedings | 2.1 Confirm arrangements for role and involvement in proceedings. 2.2 Assess case requirements to prepare evidence for presentation. 2.3 Review forensic evidence to ensure accuracy, continuity and integrity before presentation in proceedings. 2.4 Participate in case briefings with relevant personnel. |
3. Present evidence | 3.1 Communicate evidence in a clear, concise and articulate manner. 3.2 Describe and explain exhibits to inform proceedings. |
4. Review provision of forensic evidence | 4.1 Participate in evaluation of court proceedings to identify issues. 4.2 Communicate issues for quality assurance purposes. 4.3 Evaluate involvement in judicial proceedings to inform future practice. |
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.
preparing forensic evidence, statements and submissions which are accurate, complete and legible
referring the presentation of forensic evidence when it is beyond own role and responsibility
communicating with stakeholders to facilitate presentation of evidence
evaluating forensic evidence in accordance with case requirements and jurisdictional quality systems
presenting forensic evidence
reviewing outcomes of proceedings for quality purposes
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, and quality systems
jurisdictional policies and procedures relating to information security and disclosure requirements
jurisdictional policies and procedures relating to the presentation of forensic evidence
jurisdictional codes of conduct and ethics
roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in the judicial process
conduct and operation of hearings
legislative requirements of presenting evidence
exhibit registers and continuity 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