ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Evaluate results of fire scene data

1.1 Fire scene data is collected and collated according to agency guidelines

1.2 Data is grouped according to physical evidence groupings, samples and documented evidence

1.3 Evidence is categorised for further sampling or archiving

1.4 Nature and extent of further examination is determined

2. Interpret laboratory results

2.1 Consultations are initiated with specialist practitioners to review preliminary evaluations and to validate data

2.2 Common features and trends in data findings are identified

2.3 Options are explored as to possible origin and cause of fire

3. Analyse documentary and physical evidence

3.1 Potential causal physical evidence is examined in light of research data emerging from laboratory examination and technical analyses

3.2 Written reports and visual images are collected and reviewed in parallel with established scientific findings

3.3 Consultations are initiated with specialist practitioners as required

3.4 Physical evidence determined relative to fire origin and cause is identified, labelled, packaged and stored

Required Skills

analyse data

apply occupational health and safety (OHS) principles

communicate orally with stakeholders

handle exhibits and preserve continuity of evidence

interpret results and findings

make decisions relevant to forensic investigation contexts

manage resources

manage time

solve problems in relation to forensic investigation contexts

work effectively with a range of practitioners

write clear and unambiguous reports

Required Knowledge

legislative, policy, procedural and quality system requirements for the collection, preservation, security, continuity, receipt and disposal of evidence

range of services available to assist laboratory examination and interpretation of physical evidence

role and functions of forensic discipline specialists in the laboratory examination of physical evidence

OHS practices to be followed when handling physical evidence

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

maximise the potential evidentiary value of physical evidence collected.

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 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, computer-generated and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations 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 evidence from the workplace.

Data may include:

Control charts

Graphs

Observations

Results of surveys

Tables

Tests and measurements

Agency guidelines may include:

Methods and procedures manuals

Quality system requirements

Physical evidence includes:

Biological tissue

Bite marks

Blood stain analysis

Clothing

Documents

Factual evidence which embraces any and all objects, gross or microscopic in size, living or inanimate, solid, liquid or gas including the relationship between all such objects

Fibres

Fingerprints

Fire debris

Paint

Shoe marks

Tool marks

Tyre marks

Vehicle examinations

Specialist practitioners may include:

Emergency services personnel

Forensic scientists

Industry specialists

Police

Packaging and storing physical evidence may include:

Drying of wet exhibits

Exhibit labels

Packaging medium

Physical nature of exhibit

Storage temperature

Tamper evident seals