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Unit of competency details

DEFCM124A - Conduct a unit level investigation and prefer charges (Release 2)

Summary

Usage recommendation:
Superseded
Mapping:
MappingNotesDate
Is superseded by and equivalent to DEFLAW005 - Conduct a unit level investigation and prefer chargesUnit code updated. Content and formatting updated to comply with the new standards. All PC transitioned from passive to active voice. PC 3.1 & 3.2; 3.3 & 3.4 merged. 21/Oct/2015

Releases:
ReleaseRelease date
2 (this release) 24/Jan/2013
(View details for release 1) 15/Mar/2012

Classifications

SchemeCodeClassification value
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier 091105 Police Studies  

Classification history

SchemeCodeClassification valueStart dateEnd date
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier 091105 Police Studies  03/Sep/2012 
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Modification History

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

2

DEF12V2

Layout adjusted. No changes to content.

1

DEF12V1

Primary release.

Unit Descriptor

This unit covers the competency required to perform the duty of an investigating officer and to prefer charges in accordance with the Defence Force Discipline Act (DFDA).

Application of the Unit

This unit only applies to members of the Australian Defence Force.

The unit is relevant for investigating officers who operate within and prefer charges in accordance with the DFDA.

This unit does not result in a Defence Investigative Authority (DIA) - Investigator qualification.

If doubt exists concerning the authority or complexity to investigate a service offence than the DIA is to be contacted for advice. The DIA may deem it appropriate to conduct the investigation or may refer back to the commanding officer to deal with the matter.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not applicable.

Pre-Requisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills Information

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for the investigation 

1.1 Tasking as investigating officer is received and acknowledged in accordance with organisational policies.

1.2 Independence  is confirmed and acknowledged in accordance with organisational policies.

1.3 Investigation plan is developed.

2. Collect and analyse information relevant to the investigation 

2.1 Information sought is relevant to the Defence issue and is collected in accordance with organisational policies and procedures .

2.2 Evidence collected and recorded is complete and accurate in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

2.3 Decision to search  is made and conducted within lawful authority and in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

3. Conduct the interview 

3.1 Statements and interviews  relevant to the matter being investigated are sought.

3.2 Comprehensive statements  are taken and contain all details relevant to the investigation in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

3.3 Interviewees are afforded their legal rights  and treated fairly and equitably.

3.4 Interviews  are conducted in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

3.5 Documentation is prepared and submitted as required by organisational policies and procedures.

4. Prefer charges 

4.1 Evidence is assessed against the proofs of the charge and a prima facie case is established.

4.2 Charge is preferred in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

4.3 Charge sheet is produced.

Required Skills and Knowledge

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

Required Skills 

  • communicate effectively in writing
  • communicate effectively orally (question, conduct briefings, respond to questioning, listen, reflect)
  • display empathy and build rapport with colleagues and stakeholders
  • interpret policies and instructions
  • make decisions
  • show sound judgement
  • undertake research

Required Knowledge 

  • charging under the DFDA
  • discipline law and administrative law policy documents
  • discipline officer scheme
  • interview techniques
  • relevant policies and procedures
  • relevant legislation

Evidence Guide

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:

  • provide advice that is relevant and appropriate to the circumstances

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of situations that could be expected in the workplace.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

There are no specific resource requirements for this unit.

Range Statement

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.

Independence  may include:

  • confirming lack of bias or declaring bias
  • confirming lack of conflict of interest or declaring conflict of interest

Investigation plan  includes:

  • identifying avenues of inquiry
  • identifying conduct or allegation
  • identifying the framework (applicable law and policies)
  • investigation powers and limitations

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

  • Defence Law Manual
  • Provisions of the Defence Act and the DFDA
  • Regulations, orders and instructions made under the Defence Act and DFDA
  • Standing Operating Procedures
  • Standing Orders

Search  may include:

  • buildings
  • personal effects
  • persons
  • vehicles
  • vessels

Statements and interviews  may include:

  • audio tape recorders
  • hand-written and electronically based proforma and reporting styles

Comprehensive statements  include:

  • all relevant information
  • all details which may assist the investigation
  • written format that complies with legal requirements for statements

Legal rights  may include:

  • caution
  • legal representation
  • notification of family/friends
  • silence

Interviews  may be conducted at:

  • hospitals
  • police stations
  • other agreed locations in accordance with organisational policy

Unit Sector(s)

Not applicable.