Application
This unit describes the skills required to manage and lead major investigations. This includes planning for, leading and concluding an investigation. It also includes guiding the work of investigation team members.
This unit applies to those working as a police officer in a designated 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 security arrangements, investigative procedures, work health and safety (WHS), privacy and confidentiality, risk management, resource management, information management and community engagement.
Those undertaking this unit would work autonomously in the management of complex investigations, while collaborating with others in an investigation team. They would be required to possess strong decision making and problem solving skills, leadership abilities and robust communicative competence. They would perform sophisticated tasks in a wide range of policing contexts, in both familiar and unfamiliar circumstances.
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. Plan a major investigation | 1.1 Determine investigation objectives to provide investigative directions. 1.2 Identify a range of information sources to inform investigative directions. 1.3 Evaluate influencing factors for planning purposes. 1.4 Evaluate resource requirements in accordance with investigative objectives. 1.5 Validate investigation plan requirements in line with command and control principles. |
2. Lead a major investigation | 2.1 Analyse information to determine relevance to investigation. 2.2 Allocate resources based on investigative plan. 2.3 Oversee investigation in accordance with investigative plan. 2.4 Monitor investigation activities to develop contingency plans. 2.5 Conduct briefing and debriefing to share assessed information. 2.6 Provide advice and directions to investigation team to ensure investigation objectives are met. 2.7 Assess impacting factors to provide investigative direction. |
3. Facilitate a major investigation | 3.1 Monitor expenditure and resource usage to maximise effectiveness and for reporting purposes. 3.2 Collate investigation-related material using information management systems. 3.3 Adhere to and promote security arrangements throughout investigations 3.4 Assess evidence and intelligence continually to determine impact on investigations and future investigative activities. |
4. Finalise a major investigation | 4.1 Evaluate investigations to establish whether further investigative opportunities and avenues of enquiry were considered and actioned. 4.2 Record critical decisions for accountability purposes. 4.3 Finalise investigative material for referral, recording and archiving purposes. 4.4 Appraise investigations to develop recommendations and proposed future actions. |
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.
defining investigative direction, based on investigative objectives, strategies and information sources, and resources
evaluating factors impacting upon conduct of major investigation
assessing investigation plan against command and control principles
allocating and managing resources and expenditure
monitoring and overseeing investigation activities
analysing, evaluating and disseminating information
leading an investigation team
managing information within an investigation
reviewing investigation from a holistic perspective
recording information
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.
resource management principles
legislation, jurisdictional policies and procedures related to corporate and strategic plans, performance standards, operational policies and procedures, and workplace health and safety
case management systems
court procedures and evidentiary requirements
duty of care responsibilities
investigation planning and documentation
risk assessment and management techniques
security classifications and requirements within own organisation
specialist assistance available to assist with security assessments
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
Investigation