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

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

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

authenticatedevidence from the workplace.

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