Application
Application of this unit is relevant to specialist fire investigators.
It focuses on the skills and knowledge required to develop and apply a systematic approach to the recording and documenting of physical evidence collected at a fire scene and the coordination of the analysis of evidence.
Prerequisites
PUALAW001B Protect and preserve incident scene (Fire sector specific)
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Evaluate scene and determine investigative regime | 1.1 Authority to search is obtained or verified, as necessary, through required channels 1.2 Occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements are met 1.3 Incident scene security is confirmed, according to agency requirements 1.4 Fire scene is systematically observed 1.5 Physical evidence is detected using appropriate observationtechniques and technological methods |
2. Collect and record physical evidence | 2.1 Evidence collection plan and evidence recording process are established, in accordance with organisational guidelines and legislative requirements 2.2 Items of physical evidence are recorded prior to collection 2.3 Liaison with technical specialists is initiated regarding appropriateness, collection, preservation, handling and transportation of evidential samples to be collected, as required 2.4 Latent evidence is collected/detected by physical or chemical means 2.5 Quality and quantity of samples are collected to ensure accuracy and sufficiency 2.6 Evidence is labelled and documented in accordance with agency requirements to ensure continuity of evidence |
3. Store, process and transport evidence | 3.1 Physical evidence is packaged and stored to maintain continuity and to prevent degradation, contamination and spoliation 3.2 Appropriate documentation is completed by all persons handling or in possession of evidence, in accordance with evidentiary requirements and organisational guidelines 3.3 Details of evidence collected are entered in case notes, evidence/data management systems, and where appropriate, in the exhibit register 3.4 Movement of exhibits for examination occurs according to organisational procedures to ensure continuity, security and integrity of the evidence 3.5 Verbal and written summaries/reports are made in accordance with agency requirements |
4. Coordinate the analysis process | 4.1 Team approach to an examination is used to ensure all parties conduct examination prior to any damage occurring 4.2 Appropriate sequencing of evidence examination is followed 4.3 Technical specialists are appropriately briefed regarding range of tests/examinations of the evidence sought to be undertaken 4.4 Feedback and advice is received from technical specialists regarding range of tests/examination outcomes of the evidence as relevant, suitable or practicable 4.5 Results are interpreted in consultation with technical specialists 4.6 Data is documented and report is finalised in accordance with agency and legal requirements 4.7 Retention/disposal of evidence is completed according to agency requirements |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
apply analytical, decision making and problem solving skills in responding to a range of physical evidence in various contexts and the systematic examination of items of physical evidence apply interviewing skills apply resource and time management skills collect, package and preserve physical evidence ensuring continuity of evidence use specialised recording equipment including voice recording systems to interview or capture information write and communicate in clear, unambiguous language |
Required Knowledge |
application and potential limitations of forensic investigative techniques application and potential limitations of sample collection and storage methods field detection systems/resources and operation e.g. photo ionisation detector and canines gas chromatograph (GCMS) analysis interpretation of test results laboratory examinations (document examination, fingerprint development/enhancement/ examination, motor vehicle examinations, shoeprint development/enhancement/ examination, tool mark examinations, trace evidence examinations) laboratory techniques legislative, policy and quality systems: context in which forensic examinations are conducted collection, recording and continuity of physical evidence security, protection and preservation of physical evidence limitations of testing equipment OHS practices to be followed when recording, collecting and packaging physical evidence range of techniques available for recording, collecting, packaging and preserving physical evidence required forensic documentation for recording and collecting physical evidence roles and functions of other forensic discipline specialists in recording, collecting, preserving and ensuring continuity of physical evidence typical analysis of common ignitable liquids typical laboratory analysis for ignitable liquids e.g. GCMS |
Evidence Required
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to maximise the evidentiary value of physical evidence according to agency requirements by: collecting, documenting, labelling and packaging evidence referring to relevant discipline for analysis safely storing evidence correctly disposing of evidence. Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of workplace and/or simulated situations. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in the workplace and/or in a simulated workplace environment. Specific resources for assessment Access is required to: legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to gathering and managing evidence case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of incidents likely to occur for which evidence needs to be gathered and managed. |
Guidance information for assessment | Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit may include a combination of: case studies demonstration observation questioning scenarios authenticated |
Range Statement
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. | |
Physical evidence may include: | Accelerant containers Any and all objects, gross or microscopic in size Biological material Blood spatter pattern analysis Clothing Documents Fibres Fire debris Impression evidence e.g. tyre marks, shoe marks, tool marks, fingerprints Liquid or gas including the relationship between all such objects Living, inanimate, solid objects Paint Photography (digital, multimedia, closed circuit television [CCTV], other media images) Real, oral, computer data or documentary Vehicle examinations |
Observation techniques and technological methods may include: | Detection methods (electronic, chemical, optical, physical, canine) Hand picking (including use of forceps, gloves) Physical removal of section of samples (accelerant samples on wood, carpet, furniture etc.) Specialist equipment Swabbing Sweeping Tape lifting Use of equipment for access above or below ground Vacuuming |
Recording physical evidence may include: | Audio recording CCTV or other media images Computer generated data Digital images Electronic visual information Global positioning system Hand written notes Multimedia graphics Photographs Physical capture Sketches/plans Video recording |
Technical specialists may include: | Emergency services personnel Forensic scientists Industry specialists Insurance industry Police Statutory authorities |
Quality and quantity of samples includes: | Control reference sample, where available and appropriate (control/reference samples which represent background contaminants; control/reference samples collected from a known source e.g. elimination fingerprints, hairs from the victim and suspect) Laboratory examinations and analysis |
Labelling of evidence may include: | Continuity details Date/time Incident number Item description Item/sample number Location Person/s collecting the evidence |
Packaging and storing physical evidence may include consideration of: | Chemical composition of sample Disposal Drying of wet exhibits Exhibit labels OHS considerations Packaging medium Physical nature of exhibit Safe storage and handling procedures Storage temperature Tamper evident seals Transportation of evidence to storage and/or examination facility |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.