Assessor Resource

PUAFIR609A
Collect, record and coordinate the analysis of physical evidence

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Application of this unit is relevant to specialist fire investigators.

It focuses on the skills and knowledge required to develop and apply a systematic approach to the recording and documenting of physical evidence collected at a fire scene and the coordination of the analysis of evidence.

This unit covers the competency required to record and document physical evidence collected at a fire scene and to coordinate the analysis process in line with agency requirements.

This unit does not address the technical and forensic analysis of evidence.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

PUALAW001B Protect and preserve incident scene (Fire sector specific)

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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

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

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Authority to search is obtained or verified, as necessary, through required channels 
Occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements are met 
Incident scene security is confirmed, according to agency requirements 
Fire scene is systematically observed 
Physical evidence is detected using appropriate observationtechniques and technological methods 
Evidence collection plan and evidence recording process are established, in accordance with organisational guidelines and legislative requirements 
Items of physical evidence are recorded prior to collection 
Liaison with technical specialists is initiated regarding appropriateness, collection, preservation, handling and transportation of evidential samples to be collected, as required 
Latent evidence is collected/detected by physical or chemical means 
Quality and quantity of samples are collected to ensure accuracy and sufficiency 
Evidence is labelled and documented in accordance with agency requirements to ensure continuity of evidence 
Physical evidence is packaged and stored to maintain continuity and to prevent degradation, contamination and spoliation 
Appropriate documentation is completed by all persons handling or in possession of evidence, in accordance with evidentiary requirements and organisational guidelines 
Details of evidence collected are entered in case notes, evidence/data management systems, and where appropriate, in the exhibit register 
Movement of exhibits for examination occurs according to organisational procedures to ensure continuity, security and integrity of the evidence 
Verbal and written summaries/reports are made in accordance with agency requirements 
Team approach to an examination is used to ensure all parties conduct examination prior to any damage occurring 
Appropriate sequencing of evidence examination is followed 
Technical specialists are appropriately briefed regarding range of tests/examinations of the evidence sought to be undertaken 
Feedback and advice is received from technical specialists regarding range of tests/examination outcomes of the evidence as relevant, suitable or practicable 
Results are interpreted in consultation with technical specialists 
Data is documented and report is finalised in accordance with agency and legal requirements 
Retention/disposal of evidence is completed according to agency requirements 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PUAFIR609A - Collect, record and coordinate the analysis of physical evidence
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessment Record Sheet

PUAFIR609A - Collect, record and coordinate the analysis of physical evidence

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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