Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to locate, record and collect evidence or samples that will be used for forensic examination or testing. Competency includes the ability to locate, collect, package, transport and store forensic samples.
This unit applies to technical officers working in all industry sectors and government agencies, such as food, forensic, medical and environmental laboratories. The term forensic is used to describe the collection of samples that may have legal implications, such as those collected to verify insurance claims or prove paternity for payment of maintenance.
All operations must comply with relevant standards, appropriate procedures and/or workplace requirements. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technical officer will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that clearly describe the scope of permitted practice, including varying workplace/test procedures and communicating results to people outside the laboratory.
No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Prepare for evidence/sample collection | 1.1 | Locate evidence/sample using observation and appropriate detection methods |
1.2 | Identify appropriate sample collection methods | ||
1.3 | Prioritise the evaluation of items of evidence to ensure maintenance of sample integrity | ||
2 | Record locations and details of evidence/samples | 2.1 | Identify appropriate methods to record the evidence/samples in accordance with quality systems and within resource constraints |
2.2 | Record position of located evidence using a variety of appropriate techniques | ||
2.3 | Produce documented records of evidential material according to judicial and/or workplace guidelines | ||
3 | Collect evidence/samples | 3.1 | Collect sufficient number and quantity of evidence/samples to allow complete examination or analysis and to represent the mass of the physical evidence |
3.2 | Collect controls and reference samples where possible and appropriate | ||
3.3 | Collect latent evidence using physical or chemical methods | ||
4 | Package evidence/samples | 4.1 | Package, transport and store evidence/samples to ensure continuity and maintain integrity of forensic samples |
4.2 | Collect and document details of evidential material in case notes and/or in the evidence register to maintain chain of custody | ||
5 | Maintain a safe work environment | 5.1 | Identify risks, hazards, safety equipment and procedures associated with evidence/sample collection |
5.2 | Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures specified | ||
5.3 | Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts | ||
5.4 | Ensure the safe disposal of waste | ||
5.5 | Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Competency Field
Testing