ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Analyse information from the community

1.1 Sources of information and records relevant to the matter being examined are identified

1.2 Information relevant to police issues is sought from the community (including ethnic communities) and is collected and recorded in accordance with jurisdictional laws, policies and procedures

1.3 Information obtained is analysed, sorted and collated in relation to the purpose for which it has been obtained

1.4 Accurate, concise, legible complete and understandable recording forms/reports are produced in the correct format

2. Take and compile statements

2.1 Comprehensive statements are taken

2.2 All details relevant to the matter being examined are contained in these statements in accordance with jurisdictional laws, policies and procedures

2.3 Active and accurate listening is used when taking statements

3. Conduct interviews

3.1 Interviews are planned, managed and conducted to gather maximum amount of information relevant to the matter being examined

3.2 All interviewees are afforded their legal rights and are treated fairly and equitably

3.3 Interview techniques employed comply with jurisdictional law and organisational Codes of Ethics/Practice

3.4 Interviews are conducted and recorded in accordance with jurisdictional laws, policies and procedures

4. Use interview and evidence recording equipment

4.1 All interview and evidence recording equipment is operated in accordance with jurisdictional laws, policies and procedures

4.2 Records produced are authorised, stored and assessed in accordance with organisational procedures

4.3 Records produced are clear, audible and presentable as evidence to the courts

4.4 Maintenance and usage logs of equipment are maintained

5. Utilise police and other appropriate information/database systems

5.1 Information entered on database systems is accurate, understandable, complete, verifiable and the required organisational data entry security procedures are adhered to

5.2 Appropriate sources of information are identified and correctly accessed

5.3 Information is legitimately retrieved from appropriate database systems

5.4 Freedom of information and privacy of information laws and/or guidelines are complied with

5.5 Information is accessed/stored in accordance with organisational codes of ethics/practice

6. Exchange information with other members within the organisation

6.1 Communication links within the organisation/department are identified and utilised to exchange/share information

6.2 Information received is recorded and assessed for relevancy to the purpose/issue for which it was sought in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

6.3 Information is shared with organisationally sanctioned persons

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

Required Skills

apply investigative techniques

apply questioning and interviewing techniques

identify, label and store evidence

operate interviewing recording equipment

prepare and compile statements

use police information systems

Required Knowledge

information types and their sources

procedures and security measures for accessing, storing, retrieving and sharing data from police databases

relevant jurisdictional laws, by-laws and regulations such as that relating to offences against persons, property, accessing information systems and privacy legislation

rights of individuals in relation to the conduct of interviews and statement compilation

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:

relevant information and record it accurately.

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 over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

interview and evidence recording equipment.

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.

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.

Seeking information may include:

Addressing public order/general community safety issues

Assisting in the investigation and/or prosecutions/coronials, of criminal activity, location of witnesses to and/or suspects of such activity

Establishing participative community programs

Locating missing persons

Progressing/supporting court hearings/matters

Information obtained may come from:

Community business leaders

Community watch groups

Crime/accident/incident scenes

Fellow officers

Human sources

Individuals

Information databases

Local government

Local media

Public community forums

Public recreational areas

Schools

Recording forms/reports may include:

Electronically-based proforma and reporting styles

Hand-written proforma and reporting styles

Statements may include:

All details which may assist the investigation and/or prosecution

All information required by court

All relevant information

Interviews may be conducted at:

Hospitals

Police stations

Prisons

Other agreed lawful sites

Interview and evidence recording equipment may include:

Audio tape recorders

Basic fingerprinting equipment

Cameras

Video cameras and recording equipment

Statements etc. that can be tendered as evidence in courts