This unit describes the skills required to manage complex policing investigations. It includes determining investigative priorities, managing investigative resources, overseeing investigations, performing quality assurance activities and conducting post-investigation reviews for continuous improvement purposes.

Complex investigations include those which involve serious offences, are high profile or sensitive. The management of investigations would usually involve planning and guiding the work of other members of an investigation team.

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 complex 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 that could be both familiar and unfamiliar.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Determine investigative priorities

1.1

Review existing and upcoming investigations to identify priorities

1.2

Evaluate influencing factors to inform investigations

1.3

Prioritise investigations to align with jurisdictional objectives

2

Manage resources

2.1

Determine and authorise expenditure and required resources to maximise effectiveness of complex investigations

2.2

Allocate resources to achieve investigation objectives

2.3

Re-allocate resources as required to respond to changing investigation circumstances and requirements

2.4

Negotiate with stakeholders to secure resources

2.5

Determine and source additional resources as required to achieve investigation objectives

3

Oversee complex investigations

3.1

Communicate with stakeholders to determine investigation requirements

3.2

Design investigation plan and seek authorisation in accordance with jurisdictional procedures

3.3

Monitor investigative activities to ensure adherence to investigation plans

3.4

Assess impacting factors to guide the direction of complex investigations

3.5

Apply risk management strategies to mitigate investigative risks

3.6

Manage security arrangements throughout complex investigations

3.7

Coordinate communication to facilitate the flow of information to stakeholders during complex investigations

3.8

Evaluate information, intelligence and evidence continually to determine impact on current and future investigations and actions

3.9

Record critical decisions to ensure accountability

4

Perform quality assurance activities

4.1

Review investigative processes continually to determine effectiveness

4.2

Review critical decisions to ensure compliance with investigation objectives

4.3

Review exhibit and forensic management plans to manage changing circumstances and investigation requirements

4.4

Evaluate quality of information, intelligence and evidence continually to meet investigation objectives

4.5

Adjust investigative activities to maintain investigation focus

5

Conduct post-investigation activities

5.1

Review recommendations and outcomes of complex investigations to improve future investigations

5.2

Review media engagement strategies to determine impact on investigation for continuous improvement purposes

5.3

Inform stakeholders of investigation outcomes

5.4

Oversee the conclusion of investigations in accordance with jurisdictional procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the POL Police Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable.

Investigation