PUAPOLFC022A
Prepare and present specialist forensic evidence or opinion

This unit covers the competency required to prepare and present forensic evidence, statements and submissions, and to brief counsel in accordance with jurisdictional laws and organisational policies and procedures.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Application

The application of this unit in the workplace is relevant for specialist staff skilled in forensic investigations managing the investigation and can be performed by fingerprint, crime scene and firearms examiners.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for proceedings

1.1 Arrangements, role and involvement in proceedings are confirmed

1.2 Case requirements are assessed and evidence is prepared in accordance with organisational and judicial requirements

1.3 All forensic evidence in proceedings is reviewed prior to presentation in court to ensure accuracy, continuity and integrity

1.4 Proceedings and protocols are adhered to in preparing evidence in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

1.5 Precedents relevant to procedures are identified to assist court proceedings as required

1.6 Case briefings are conducted with relevant personnel in accordance with judicial and organisational policies and procedures

2. Present evidence

2.1 Adherence to rules of evidence, protocols and procedures relevant to the jurisdiction is applied

2.2 Evidence is communicated in a clear concise and articulate manner

2.3 Expert evidence or opinion is provided on request in accordance with judicial requirements

2.4 Exhibits are presented in accordance with legal, judicial and occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements as required

3. Review court proceedings

3.1 Outcomes of proceedings are reviewed and where appropriate, issues are communicated to appropriate personnel in the organisation

3.2 Involvement in the judicial proceedings is evaluated to inform future practice

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

brief counsel

collate evidence

prepare statements

present evidence clearly and concisely

produce scientific reports

research and identify precedents

take notes

use a computer to create, edit and print documents

write reports

Required Knowledge

appeals systems

burden of proof

conduct and operation of hearings

Coroners Act

Criminal Code

exemptions and defences

general principles of criminal liability

Hearsay Rule

how to prepare legal brief (precedents, witness statements, records of evidence, investigator's reports, media footage, log books)

how to prepare submissions

legislative requirements of presenting evidence

organisational policies and procedures relating to preparation of documents and evidence, and providing expert opinion

points of proof

procedures and protocols in different judicial/quasi-judicial systems

qualifications and experience required of expert witnesses

range of crimes/offences that can be committed

relevant sections of Evidence Act

relevant sections of legislation

role of lay and expert witnesses

role of legal personnel in judicial/quasi-judicial systems

rules of evidence in different judicial or quasi-judicial settings

types of evidence admissible in judicial/quasi-judicial systems

types of offences

use of notes in court/tribunal/commission

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

prepare forensic evidence, statements and submissions

brief counsel utilising the full and detailed evidence to hand

prepare and present comprehensive and accurate legal briefs.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed on-the-job or in a simulated work environment.

Specific resources for assessment

There are no specific resource requirements for this unit.

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions.


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.

Evidence may include:

Case files

Court documents

Exhibits

Expert reports

Notes

Photographs

Statements

Visual aid (audio, visual, physical)

Protocols may include:

Forms of address

Standards of attire

Court proceedings may include:

Judicial and quasi-judicial tribunals

Rules of court


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.