Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to detect, record and collect physical evidence resulting from an explosive incident.

It does not cover any testing or analysis of the physical evidence.

Application of the Unit 

This competency normally applies to an individual who is required to detect, record and collect physical evidence resulting from an explosive incident.

These activities can be conducted under a variety of conditions, including wartime, peacekeeping, training, in support of the civilian community/authority, as part of a joint services and/or coalition operation.

The explosive incident may be an act of aggression or an accident.

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Pre-requisite Unit /s 

Nil

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Detect and record physical evidence 

1.1 Physical evidence  is detected  using observation techniques and appropriate technological methods

1.2 Latent evidence  is detected by physical or chemical means

1.3 Physical evidence is recorded prior to examination in accordance with standard procedures 

1.4 Recording methods  are identified to document the physical evidence in accordance with standard procedures and within resource limitations

1.5 Documented record of the physical evidence is produced in accordance with standard procedures

2. Collect physical evidence 

2.1 Physical evidence is collected  to prevent contamination or loss in accordance with standard procedures

2.2 Samples collected are sufficient in quantity, where possible, to allow all potential examinations/analysis to be carried out

2.3 Samples collected are sufficient to represent the natural variation  that occurs in the physical evidence

2.4 Control reference samples  are collected where available and appropriate

3. Package physical evidence 

3.1 Items are packaged and stored  to maintain continuity and prevent degradation or contamination

3.2 Physical evidence is packaged in accordance with occupational health and safety guidelines

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• analyse items of physical evidence
• apply operational safety
• apply resource management
• apply time management
• collect, package and preserve specific evidence types
• communicate orally and in writing
• handle exhibits and preserve continuity of evidence
• make decisions in relation items of physical evidence
• solve problems in relation items of physical evidence
• use specialised evidence recording equipment as required

Required Knowledge 

• application and limitations of forensic investigative techniques
• legislative, policy, and quality system requirements for search and the seizure of physical evidence
• legislative, policy, and quality system requirements for the collection, preservation, continuity and disposal of physical evidence
• legislative, policy and quality system requirements for the security, protection and preservation of the physical evidence
• legislative, policy, and quality system context in which forensic examinations are conducted
• OH&S practices to be followed when recording, collecting and packaging physical evidence
• range of techniques available for recording, collecting, packaging and preserving physical evidence
• required documentation for recording and collecting of physical evidence
• role and functions of other forensic discipline specialists in recording, collecting, preserving and continuity of physical evidence

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:

• maximise the potential evidentiary value of the 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.

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.

Physical evidence may include 

Any and all objects that are gross or microscopic in size, living or inanimate, solid, liquid or gas, including explosives, biological tissue, debris, arisings and documents

Detecting evidence may include 

Chemical

Optical

Physical

Latent evidence may include 

Explosive chemistry

Fingerprints

Invisible evidence until it is enhanced in some way

Standard procedures may include 

Legislative or procedural requirements to maintain the chain of evidence or meet specific investigative requirements

Recording methods can be 

Audio recording

Computer generated data

Digital imaging

Global positioning system (GPS)

Hand written notes

Photographic

Physical capture

Sketches

Video recording

Collecting physical evidence may include 

Hand picking (including use of forceps, gloves)

Swabbing

Sweeping

Tape lifting

Vacuuming

Natural variation refers to 

Diversity of characteristics that occurs in all items of physical evidence

Control reference samples refers to 

Control samples which represent background contaminants

Samples collected from a known source

Packaging and storing may include consideration of 

Drying of wet exhibits

Exhibit labels

Packaging medium

Physical nature of exhibit

Stability (explosives)

Storage temperature

Tamper evident seals