The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package. This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible. | |
Pre-requisite Unit/s | PUAPOLFC002B Maintain a safe forensic working environment PUAPOLFC006B Contribute to and comply with quality systems PUAPOLFC029A Use and maintain specialist forensic equipment |
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Evaluate items | 1.1 Items are evaluated for suitability and sequence of testing 1.2 An examination regime is agreed to following consultations with the client 1.3 Physical evidence and information are evaluated to determine whether further samples need to be collected |
2. Conduct laboratory examinations and analyses | 2.1 Evidence is recorded, stored and processed according to documented procedures to maintain its integrity, security and continuity 2.2 Evidence is evaluated to determine the range ofanalysis options available in association with other forensic practitioners where appropriate 2.3 Analyses are prioritised to optimise the recovery of potential evidence 2.4 Forensic examinations and analyses are conducted in accordance with documented procedures 2.5 Final disposal of exhibits is conducted in accordance with organisational guidelines |
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
communication and negotiation in discussing examinations/analyses with investigators, forensic practitioners and other stakeholders analytical, decision making and problem solving in responding to a range of laboratory examinations/analyses, including the systematic examination of items of physical evidence work effectively with a range of practitioners manage resource and time exhibit handling and preserving continuity of evidence forensic investigation methods and skills use of relevant generic and discipline specific laboratory equipment apply OH&S principles |
Required Knowledge |
legislative, policy, and quality system context in which forensic examinations and analyses are conducted legislative, policy, procedural and quality system requirements for the collection, preservation, security, continuity and disposal of exhibits the range of services available to assist laboratory examination and interpretation of physical evidence the sequential application and potential limitations of forensic investigative techniques current, relevant and sound knowledge and understanding of a particular discipline relevant to the examination/analysis of evidence. the following is relevant to specific disciplines: fingerprint identification, skin and fingerprint physiology, fingerprint fundamentals and examination; fingerprinting of deceased persons, treatment of questionable latents firearms and toolmarks identification; characteristics of ammunition, firearms and firearm identification, ballistics, range determination (restoration techniques and vehicle examination where appropriate) document examination; altered and manipulated documents, detection of impressions in paper, factors affecting handwriting, handwriting comparison, machine generated documents, characteristics of paper, printed documents, reconstruction/restoration of documents and writing implements and ink current and sound knowledge and understanding of the protocols and analytical methodologies used as documented in the quality system manuals current and sound knowledge and understanding of the functions of the instruments/equipment used for analysis quality system requirements for laboratory examinations OH&S practices to be followed when examining physical evidence |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in: Ability to determine appropriateness and sequence of examinations/analyses Ability to conduct appropriate techniques for examination/analysis Consistency in performance Evidence for competency in this unit must be gathered over time and across a range of workplace or simulated situations |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment This unit may be assessed on the job or in a simulated work environment This unit must be assessed against the relevant discipline: Crime Scenes or Fingerprints or Documents or Firearms or Toolmarks or Fire or Explosion Competency in this unit in one particular discipline does not imply competence in any other forensic discipline Specific resources for assessment No special requirements |
Guidance information for assessment | Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package. |
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. | |
Appropriate forensic practitioners include | scientists employed within forensic laboratories as well as recognised experts in a specific field which has relevance to the examination/analysis of evidence from the investigation |
Range of analysis options may include | chemical physical comparative and optical techniques utilised by the forensic discipline |
Analyses are prioritised | considering the effectiveness of techniques available the physical characteristics of the evidence time constraints the destructive nature and sequence of forensic techniques the need for possible further analysis by other forensic disciplines |
Evaluation regime may include | not examining evidence prioritising examinations requesting further samples liaison with other forensic professionals identifying resource considerations |
Not applicable.
This unit contains employability skills. |
Not applicable.