Application
This unit describes the skills required to select, set up, operate and maintain a portable audio recorder and associated equipment required for recording during an electronic forensic investigation. In an electronic forensic investigation the selection of recording equipment is dependent on the specific information required by the investigator. In the context of this unit equipment may include any domestic or commercial audio device used by the organisation, including microphones, mounts, organisational specialist equipment, computer equipment or software tools. Audio recording media may include audio tapes, flash drives, hard disk drives or solid state drives.
This unit applies to those working in the gathering and analysis of electronic information.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those relating to WHS and the set-up and operation of a portable audio recorder.
Those undertaking this unit would work independently or as part of a team, under indirect supervision, while performing routine tasks in a familiar context. They must be able to use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
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. Select and prepare portable audio recorder, equipment and materials | 1.1 Identify and confirm portable audio recorder and equipment for the task. 1.2 Perform visual, auditory or tactile inspection of the portable audio recorder and equipment to ensure its operation. 1.3 Charge the batteries to meet the requirements of the task. 1.4 Report and record details of faulty or damaged equipment. |
2. Test all operational aspects of portable audio recorder | 2.1 Test the portable audio recorder and equipment to ensure it is fit for purpose. 2.2 Check the functions of the portable audio recorder to ensure it can achieve the required result. 2.3 Load the audio recording media for the task. |
3. Operate portable audio recorder | 3.1 Operate the portable audio recorder to achieve forensic investigation requirements. 3.2 Place microphones if appropriate and check microphone placement to ensure desired result is achieved. 3.3 Screen external noise. 3.4 Check recording levels and adjust portable audio recorder sound levels. 3.5 Adjust and move portable audio recorder and equipment. 3.6 Remove and process audio recording media. |
4. Inspect, clean, maintain and store portable audio recorder and equipment | 4.1 Conduct auditory or tactile inspection to identify possible operational or physical failure of portable audio recorder or equipment. 4.2 Clean, maintain, assemble and store portable audio recorder and equipment. 4.3 Perform power checks and software checks. 4.4 Perform internal or external repairs. 4.5 Update portable audio recorder records. |
Evidence of Performance
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.
operating a portable audio recorder and associated equipment
inspecting a portable audio recorder and equipment
testing a portable audio recorder and equipment
cleaning and maintaining a portable audio recorder and equipment
using cleaning agents and chemicals
Evidence of Knowledge
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.
portable audio recorder operational functions
concepts of portable audio recorder maintenance and appropriate cleaning techniques and materials
WHS policy relevant to the maintenance, servicing and testing of portable audio recorder and equipment
types of and differences in audio recording equipment, and compatibility of audio recording media with equipment
management of audio recording media stocks, storage and handling
safe working practices when operating, maintaining, servicing and testing portable audio recorder and equipment
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations, with access to electronic devices with content suitable for forensic extraction including mobile devices, computers or communications equipment.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
ACSF levels indicative of performance:
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Electronic Forensics