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Evidence Guide: POLFOR004 - Develop forensic crime scene expertise

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

POLFOR004 - Develop forensic crime scene expertise

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Conduct applied research

  1. Develop hypothesis to guide research proposal.
  2. Conduct a literature review using various search techniques.
  3. Justify the research proposal in relation to the forensic discipline supported by the jurisdiction.
  4. Analyse research methodology in terms of suitability and potential limitations.
  5. Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of data/information collection techniques.
  6. Identify factors that may impact on reliability and validity of the results to protect the integrity of the research project.
  7. Identify resources for the research taking into consideration cost, availability and access.
  8. Identify alternative resources or methodologies to ensure that the scope of the research project is met.
  9. Evaluate hypothesis against the analysis findings and legal and ethical considerations.
  10. Review data and research findings for accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.
  11. Report research findings to inform broader forensic community.
Develop hypothesis to guide research proposal.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conduct a literature review using various search techniques.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justify the research proposal in relation to the forensic discipline supported by the jurisdiction.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Analyse research methodology in terms of suitability and potential limitations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of data/information collection techniques.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify factors that may impact on reliability and validity of the results to protect the integrity of the research project.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify resources for the research taking into consideration cost, availability and access.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify alternative resources or methodologies to ensure that the scope of the research project is met.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluate hypothesis against the analysis findings and legal and ethical considerations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review data and research findings for accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report research findings to inform broader forensic community.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form an expert opinion

  1. Evaluate information relevant to the investigation critically to form an expert opinion.
  2. Develop alternative hypotheses to test the expert opinion.
  3. Test hypotheses against information using scientific methodology.
  4. Identify the most likely hypothesis to form a basis for the opinion.
  5. Acknowledge limitations of the information/evidence when providing an expert opinion.
  6. Identify assumptions and factual premises on which evidence is based to support the expert opinion.
  7. Assess the expert opinion to determine whether it withstands scrutiny.
  8. Justify opinions by explaining the process of reasoning.
Evaluate information relevant to the investigation critically to form an expert opinion.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Develop alternative hypotheses to test the expert opinion.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test hypotheses against information using scientific methodology.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify the most likely hypothesis to form a basis for the opinion.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acknowledge limitations of the information/evidence when providing an expert opinion.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify assumptions and factual premises on which evidence is based to support the expert opinion.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assess the expert opinion to determine whether it withstands scrutiny.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justify opinions by explaining the process of reasoning.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Present expert opinion

  1. Validate expert opinion using peer review.
  2. Report expert opinion to inform investigation.
  3. Prepare demonstrative tools to assist provision of expert evidence.
  4. Deliver expert opinion to aid judicial enquiry process.
  5. Review expert opinion and delivery to identify future improvements.
Validate expert opinion using peer review.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report expert opinion to inform investigation.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare demonstrative tools to assist provision of expert evidence.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deliver expert opinion to aid judicial enquiry process.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review expert opinion and delivery to identify future improvements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Undertake peer case work review

  1. Review case work within a quality management system to validate results.
  2. Review information in a case file to determine quality, accuracy and completeness.
  3. Form an independent opinion from reviewed information in isolation from the case file opinion.
  4. Compare the independent opinion with the case findings for verification purposes.
  5. Communicate feedback to the original author of the case file.
Review case work within a quality management system to validate results.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review information in a case file to determine quality, accuracy and completeness.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form an independent opinion from reviewed information in isolation from the case file opinion.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compare the independent opinion with the case findings for verification purposes.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communicate feedback to the original author of the case file.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluate scientific literature and research findings critically

  1. Identify sources of contemporary information that may be relevant to forensic investigations.
  2. Evaluate contemporary information to determine potential applicability and suitability within forensic investigations.
  3. Develop recommendations on better practice based on contemporary research and literature.
Identify sources of contemporary information that may be relevant to forensic investigations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluate contemporary information to determine potential applicability and suitability within forensic investigations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Develop recommendations on better practice based on contemporary research and literature.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conduct applied research

  1. Develop hypothesis to guide research proposal.
  2. Conduct a literature review using various search techniques.
  3. Justify the research proposal in relation to the forensic discipline supported by the jurisdiction.
  4. Analyse research methodology in terms of suitability and potential limitations.
  5. Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of data/information collection techniques.
  6. Identify factors that may impact on reliability and validity of the results to protect the integrity of the research project.
  7. Identify resources for the research taking into consideration cost, availability and access.
  8. Identify alternative resources or methodologies to ensure that the scope of the research project is met.
  9. Evaluate hypothesis against the analysis findings and legal and ethical considerations.
  10. Review data and research findings for accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.
  11. Report research findings to inform broader forensic community.
Develop hypothesis to guide research proposal.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conduct a literature review using various search techniques.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justify the research proposal in relation to the forensic discipline supported by the jurisdiction.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Analyse research methodology in terms of suitability and potential limitations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of data/information collection techniques.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify factors that may impact on reliability and validity of the results to protect the integrity of the research project.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify resources for the research taking into consideration cost, availability and access.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify alternative resources or methodologies to ensure that the scope of the research project is met.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluate hypothesis against the analysis findings and legal and ethical considerations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review data and research findings for accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report research findings to inform broader forensic community.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form an expert opinion

  1. Evaluate information relevant to the investigation critically to form an expert opinion.
  2. Develop alternative hypotheses to test the expert opinion.
  3. Test hypotheses against information using scientific methodology.
  4. Identify the most likely hypothesis to form a basis for the opinion.
  5. Acknowledge limitations of the information/evidence when providing an expert opinion.
  6. Identify assumptions and factual premises on which evidence is based to support the expert opinion.
  7. Assess the expert opinion to determine whether it withstands scrutiny.
  8. Justify opinions by explaining the process of reasoning.
Evaluate information relevant to the investigation critically to form an expert opinion.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Develop alternative hypotheses to test the expert opinion.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test hypotheses against information using scientific methodology.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify the most likely hypothesis to form a basis for the opinion.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acknowledge limitations of the information/evidence when providing an expert opinion.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify assumptions and factual premises on which evidence is based to support the expert opinion.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assess the expert opinion to determine whether it withstands scrutiny.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justify opinions by explaining the process of reasoning.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Present expert opinion

  1. Validate expert opinion using peer review.
  2. Report expert opinion to inform investigation.
  3. Prepare demonstrative tools to assist provision of expert evidence.
  4. Deliver expert opinion to aid judicial enquiry process.
  5. Review expert opinion and delivery to identify future improvements.
Validate expert opinion using peer review.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report expert opinion to inform investigation.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare demonstrative tools to assist provision of expert evidence.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deliver expert opinion to aid judicial enquiry process.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review expert opinion and delivery to identify future improvements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Undertake peer case work review

  1. Review case work within a quality management system to validate results.
  2. Review information in a case file to determine quality, accuracy and completeness.
  3. Form an independent opinion from reviewed information in isolation from the case file opinion.
  4. Compare the independent opinion with the case findings for verification purposes.
  5. Communicate feedback to the original author of the case file.
Review case work within a quality management system to validate results.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review information in a case file to determine quality, accuracy and completeness.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form an independent opinion from reviewed information in isolation from the case file opinion.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compare the independent opinion with the case findings for verification purposes.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communicate feedback to the original author of the case file.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluate scientific literature and research findings critically

  1. Identify sources of contemporary information that may be relevant to forensic investigations.
  2. Evaluate contemporary information to determine potential applicability and suitability within forensic investigations.
  3. Develop recommendations on better practice based on contemporary research and literature.
Identify sources of contemporary information that may be relevant to forensic investigations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluate contemporary information to determine potential applicability and suitability within forensic investigations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Develop recommendations on better practice based on contemporary research and literature.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Conduct applied research

1.1 Develop hypothesis to guide research proposal.

1.2 Conduct a literature review using various search techniques.

1.3 Justify the research proposal in relation to the forensic discipline supported by the jurisdiction.

1.4 Analyse research methodology in terms of suitability and potential limitations.

1.5 Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of data/information collection techniques.

1.6 Identify factors that may impact on reliability and validity of the results to protect the integrity of the research project.

1.7 Identify resources for the research taking into consideration cost, availability and access.

1.8 Identify alternative resources or methodologies to ensure that the scope of the research project is met.

1.9 Evaluate hypothesis against the analysis findings and legal and ethical considerations.

1.10 Review data and research findings for accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.

1.11 Report research findings to inform broader forensic community.

2. Form an expert opinion

2.1 Evaluate information relevant to the investigation critically to form an expert opinion.

2.2 Develop alternative hypotheses to test the expert opinion.

2.3 Test hypotheses against information using scientific methodology.

2.4 Identify the most likely hypothesis to form a basis for the opinion.

2.5 Acknowledge limitations of the information/evidence when providing an expert opinion.

2.6 Identify assumptions and factual premises on which evidence is based to support the expert opinion.

2.7 Assess the expert opinion to determine whether it withstands scrutiny.

2.8 Justify opinions by explaining the process of reasoning.

3. Present expert opinion

3.1 Validate expert opinion using peer review.

3.2 Report expert opinion to inform investigation.

3.3 Prepare demonstrative tools to assist provision of expert evidence.

3.4 Deliver expert opinion to aid judicial enquiry process.

3.5 Review expert opinion and delivery to identify future improvements.

4. Undertake peer case work review

4.1 Review case work within a quality management system to validate results.

4.2 Review information in a case file to determine quality, accuracy and completeness.

4.3 Form an independent opinion from reviewed information in isolation from the case file opinion.

4.4 Compare the independent opinion with the case findings for verification purposes.

4.5 Communicate feedback to the original author of the case file.

5. Evaluate scientific literature and research findings critically

5.1 Identify sources of contemporary information that may be relevant to forensic investigations.

5.2 Evaluate contemporary information to determine potential applicability and suitability within forensic investigations.

5.3 Develop recommendations on better practice based on contemporary research and literature.

Required Skills and Knowledge

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Conduct applied research

1.1 Develop hypothesis to guide research proposal.

1.2 Conduct a literature review using various search techniques.

1.3 Justify the research proposal in relation to the forensic discipline supported by the jurisdiction.

1.4 Analyse research methodology in terms of suitability and potential limitations.

1.5 Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of data/information collection techniques.

1.6 Identify factors that may impact on reliability and validity of the results to protect the integrity of the research project.

1.7 Identify resources for the research taking into consideration cost, availability and access.

1.8 Identify alternative resources or methodologies to ensure that the scope of the research project is met.

1.9 Evaluate hypothesis against the analysis findings and legal and ethical considerations.

1.10 Review data and research findings for accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.

1.11 Report research findings to inform broader forensic community.

2. Form an expert opinion

2.1 Evaluate information relevant to the investigation critically to form an expert opinion.

2.2 Develop alternative hypotheses to test the expert opinion.

2.3 Test hypotheses against information using scientific methodology.

2.4 Identify the most likely hypothesis to form a basis for the opinion.

2.5 Acknowledge limitations of the information/evidence when providing an expert opinion.

2.6 Identify assumptions and factual premises on which evidence is based to support the expert opinion.

2.7 Assess the expert opinion to determine whether it withstands scrutiny.

2.8 Justify opinions by explaining the process of reasoning.

3. Present expert opinion

3.1 Validate expert opinion using peer review.

3.2 Report expert opinion to inform investigation.

3.3 Prepare demonstrative tools to assist provision of expert evidence.

3.4 Deliver expert opinion to aid judicial enquiry process.

3.5 Review expert opinion and delivery to identify future improvements.

4. Undertake peer case work review

4.1 Review case work within a quality management system to validate results.

4.2 Review information in a case file to determine quality, accuracy and completeness.

4.3 Form an independent opinion from reviewed information in isolation from the case file opinion.

4.4 Compare the independent opinion with the case findings for verification purposes.

4.5 Communicate feedback to the original author of the case file.

5. Evaluate scientific literature and research findings critically

5.1 Identify sources of contemporary information that may be relevant to forensic investigations.

5.2 Evaluate contemporary information to determine potential applicability and suitability within forensic investigations.

5.3 Develop recommendations on better practice based on contemporary research and literature.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

developing research proposals, including hypotheses, jurisdictional context and research methodology

collecting and collating information from diverse sources

evaluating applied research proposals

conducting applied research and presenting findings

communicating information that includes the description of a complex opinion/point of view/argument in a clear, concise manner to a wide range of audiences

interpreting and analysing information critically to develop opinions

justify conclusions/opinions and their rationale

liaising with peers to review opinions of self and others

presenting opinion evidence and reflecting on outcomes

evaluating forensic information and its application to own professional context

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

jurisdictional quality management systems

case law, current legislation pertaining to investigations, the legal provision of expert evidence (including admissibility of expert evidence)

federal court guidelines

forensic disciplines

jurisdictional policies and procedures related to the authority to provide expert evidence

own limitations and the boundaries of expert knowledge

range and strength of opinions available for the interpretation of results, awareness of impact on jury

knowledge of sources of research and information related to forensic science