Unit of competency details

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 Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Assess incident scenes 

1.1 Primary and secondary incident scenes  are identified to establish resource needs within the incident scene assessment

1.2 Risk factors  affecting the incident scenes are identified and managed

1.3 Preservation of life, property and evidence are prioritised in the assessment of the incident scene

1.4 Tactical factors  and resulting priorities are identified to assist decision making/subsequent action

2. Control incident scenes 

2.1 To support subsequent lines of inquiry, all activities at the incident scene are recorded  in accordance with organisational guidelines

2.2 Boundaries of the incident scene are established and secured to prevent contamination of prospective evidence/exhibits

2.3 Persons are supported and referred to relevant support agencies in accordance with organisational requirements

2.4 Suspects are controlled  in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2.5 Persons at the incident scene  are controlled  to safeguard their welfare and prevent contamination of the scene

2.6 Personnel  are coordinated to manage the incident scene

2.7 Potential evidence/exhibits are preserved to prevent contamination

3. Coordinate incident scene investigations 

3.1 Persons relevant to the incident scene are identified and interviewed to determine possible avenues of inquiry and offences/defences

3.2 Information collected is assessed and used to initiate investigative action

3.3 Evidence/exhibits at incident scene/s are identified and recorded prior to examination to ensure continuity

3.4 Evidence/exhibits are processed in accordance with organisational requirements to maintain continuity and integrity

3.5 Incident scene investigations are managed to preserve life, property and evidence, to minimise disruption and to ensure compliance with operational safety guidelines

3.6 Support services  are utilised to investigate incident scene

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

Required Skills 

• analyse situations and make decisions
• apply operational safety techniques
• communicate (listen, question) and negotiate when questioning witnesses and controlling persons in the vicinity of the incident scene
• handle exhibits and preserve continuity of evidence
• manage resources and time
• manage witnesses and in doing so, demonstrate ethical behaviour and cultural awareness
• solve problems in responding to a range of incident scene contexts
• use specialised investigatory equipment such as fingerprinting equipment, computer software, photographic equipment etc.

Required Knowledge 

• government and policy context in which incident scenes are managed and investigated, and all relevant law, policies and procedures
• judicial and evidentiary requirements and organisational processes for the collection, preservation and continuity of exhibits
• range of investigation techniques
• range of support services available to assist investigators in managing incident scenes, in particular forensic services
• roles and functions of other agencies in managing incident scenes

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:

• manage at least two incident scenes to ensure the accurate assessment, preservation and collection of evidence and exhibits at the scene.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the outcome and apply the competence in different situations or environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or an environment that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered in the workplace, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine.

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.

Incident scenes  may be:

• Primary (where the offence actually took place)
• Secondary (where any physical evidence leading to establishment of the incident is located)

Risk factors  may include:

• Factors at the incident scene that could impact on:
• safety of investigators
• security/preservation of the actual site
• security and preservation of situational evidence

Tactical factors  may include:

• Access to scene
• Availability of support services
• Boundaries
• Chronology of events
• Number of persons at scene
• Those which affect the quality of the investigation and may include environmental circumstances

Recording activities at the incident scene  may include:

• Digital imaging technology
• Exhibit logs
• Photography
• Receipts and personnel movement
• Running sheets
• Video

Suspects  may be controlled by:

• Advising of rights
• Apprehension
• Search
• Securing
• Separation

Persons at incident scenes  may include:

• Coroners
• Incident scene specialists and forensic experts
• Forensic accountants
• Information technology consultants
• Legal officers
• Media
• Medical practitioners
• Offenders
• Other bystanders
• Pathologists
• Police and other public safety agency personnel
• Suspects
• Undertakers
• Victims
• Witnesses

Control  may include:

• Isolate and search
• Group
• Muster
• Secure
• Segregate
• Task

Personnel  may include:

• Personnel from other agencies
• Police
• Specialist support
• Any other person deemed necessary to assist in the management of the incident scene

Support services  may include:

• Coroner
• Document examiners
• External agencies
• Financial organisations
• Handwriting experts
• Incident scene specialists such as pathologists
• Information technology consultants
• Forensic accountants
• Forensic investigators
• Government medical officers
• Interpreters
• Legal officers
• Technical services
• Undertakers