Application
This unit describes the skills required to conduct an investigation under commonwealth and/or jurisdictional law, in accordance with an established investigation plan. It includes gathering and managing evidence, identifying persons of interest, reviewing and reporting on progress and briefing/debriefing relevant personnel.
This unit applies to those working in a range of regulatory work environments.
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 WHS and environment in the context of investigations.
Those undertaking this unit would work independently using support from a range of established resources to perform complex tasks in a range of contexts, including some that are unfamiliar and/or unpredictable.
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. Locate and record information sources | 1.1 Identify subjects and suspects involved in the matter under investigation and record details. 1.2 Obtain or verify authority to search, involving other organisations where necessary. 1.3 Collect and analyse information relevant to the investigation. 1.4 Identify and locate persons relevant to the investigation and eliminate persons who are not. 1.5 Access expert skills and knowledge when necessary to further assist staff in areas where they cannot, or are not authorised, to act. 1.6 Anticipate likely defences and include evidence to counter these. |
2. Collect and manage information and exhibits | 2.1 Collect, label, record and preserve identified and/or corroboratory evidence for later use in proceedings. 2.2 Identify, secure and manage evidence from incoming information. 2.3 Maintain continuity, security and integrity of exhibits. 2.4 Handle, record, store and dispose of exhibits. |
3. Review and adjust investigation process | 3.1 Monitor and review evidence collection to address gaps and inadequacies. 3.2 Conduct briefings and debriefings of all relevant personnel. 3.3 Conduct investigation with sufficient flexibility to allow for contingencies, modify process of investigation and implement solutions where practicable. |
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 two occasions.
organising and problem-solving
liaising and negotiating
communicating with people from diverse backgrounds
making comparisons and exercising judgment about facts in written materials
writing reports using formal structures and language
collecting, labelling, recording and preserving identified and/or corroboratory evidence for later use in proceedings according to exhibit management principles, continuity of possession, legislation and standards
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.
rules of evidence and legislation relevant to the jurisdiction
legislation dealing with offence/s under investigation
document management systems
exhibit management principles
organisational policies, guidelines and regulations
equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles
legal and ethical considerations in investigations which involve juveniles and indigenous people
Assessment Conditions
Valid assessment of this unit requires a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when initiating investigations.
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