ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Evaluate cases

1.1 Physical evidence being presented for examination is checked to ensure the integrity of the exhibit has not been compromised.

1.2 Information about the case is assessed to determine client needs.

1.3 Case is evaluated to gauge the appropriateness of proceeding in light of laboratory policy and resource limitations.

2. Document cases

2.1 Physical evidence is received and processed according to organisational guidelines and legislative requirements.

2.2 Documentation is completed in accordance with evidentiary requirements and organisational guidelines.

2.3 Relevant information is accurately entered into the case management system in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.4 Physical evidence is stored according to organisational guidelines to ensure its continuity, integrity and security.

3. Facilitate examination by appropriate forensic practitioners

3.1 Evidence is assessed and identified for examination by appropriate forensic practitioners.

3.2 Liaison with clients/investigators is conducted to ensure relevance of examinations.

3.3 Logistics of the examination are discussed and documented with other forensic practitioners as required.

3.4 Movement of exhibits for examination is undertaken in accordance with organisational procedures to ensure continuity, security and integrity.

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

Required Skills

analyse situations, make decisions and solve problems in responding to a range of forensic investigation contexts

apply occupational health and safety (OH&S) principles

communicate in writing (clearly and unambiguously)

communicate orally (listen, establish rapport, negotiate, resolve conflict)

handle exhibits and preserve continuity of evidence

manage resources including allocation/access (budgetary, human, physical resources)

manage time effectively

work effectively with a range of practitioners

Required Knowledge

legislative, policy, procedural and quality system requirements for the collection, preservation, security, continuity, receipt and disposal of exhibits

OH&S practices to be followed when handling physical evidence

organisational and quality system requirements relating to the evaluation of cases

preparation and submission of forensic documentation

range of services available to assist laboratory examination and interpretation of physical evidence

role and functions of forensic discipline specialists in the laboratory examination of physical evidence

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:

appropriately handle physical evidence submitted with cases

determine appropriate sites for the examination of evidence

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of workplace or simulated situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed on-the-job or in a simulated work environment.

Specific resources for assessment

There are no specific resource requirements for this unit.

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.

Physical evidence may include:

Any and all objects

Liquid or gas including the relationship between all such objects

Living or inanimate objects

Objects gross or microscopic in size

Solid

Tyremarks, shoemarks, toolmarks, fingerprints, fibres, biological tissue, blood stain analysis, vehicle examinations, paint, clothing, fire debris and documents

Integrity of the exhibit incorporates:

Assessment of the circumstances surrounding the collection and preservation of the evidence to determine any potential contamination of the exhibit

Assessment of the package in which the evidence is contained

Package must be sealed and labelled in accordance with agency guidelines (agency guidelines may include methods and procedures manuals quality system requirements)

Case management system may include:

Electronic case management database system

Hard copy case files and associated filing/retrieval system

Liaison with clients/investigators includes:

Face-to-face or by phone

Formal and informal meetings

Transmission of documentation electronically

Relevance of examinations may include:

Appropriateness

Sequence and timeliness of examinations in the context of investigation directions/timeframes

Logistics includes:

Delivery of exhibits

Cost

Timeframes and security

Movement of exhibits encompasses:

Transportation of evidence between forensic disciplines, external agencies and professionals