Unit of competency details

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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. Evaluate results of fire scene data 

1.1 Fire scene data  is collected and collated according to agency guidelines 

1.2 Data is grouped according to physical evidence  groupings, samples and documented evidence

1.3 Evidence is categorised for further sampling or archiving

1.4 Nature and extent of further examination is determined

2. Interpret laboratory results 

2.1 Consultations are initiated with specialist practitioners  to review preliminary evaluations and to validate data

2.2 Common features and trends in data findings are identified

2.3 Options are explored as to possible origin and cause of fire

3. Analyse documentary and physical evidence 

3.1 Potential causal physical evidence is examined in light of research data emerging from laboratory examination and technical analyses

3.2 Written reports and visual images are collected and reviewed in parallel with established scientific findings

3.3 Consultations are initiated with specialist practitioners as required

3.4 Physical evidence determined relative to fire origin and cause is identified, labelled, packaged and stored 

Required Skills 

• analyse data
• apply occupational health and safety (OHS) principles
• communicate orally with stakeholders
• handle exhibits and preserve continuity of evidence
• interpret results and findings
• make decisions relevant to forensic investigation contexts
• manage resources
• manage time
• solve problems in relation to forensic investigation contexts
• work effectively with a range of practitioners
• write clear and unambiguous reports

Required Knowledge 

• legislative, policy, procedural and quality system requirements for the collection, preservation, security, continuity, receipt and disposal of evidence
• 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
• OHS practices to be followed when handling physical evidence

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 physical evidence collected.

Consistency in performance 

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

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

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to gathering and managing evidence
• case studies, computer-generated and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to occur for which evidence needs to be gathered and managed.

Guidance information for assessment 

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit may include a combination of:

• case studies
• demonstration
• observation
• questioning
• scenarios
• authenticated evidence from the workplace.

Data  may include:

• Control charts
• Graphs
• Observations
• Results of surveys
• Tables
• Tests and measurements

Agency guidelines  may include:

• Methods and procedures manuals
• Quality system requirements

Physical evidence  includes:

• Biological tissue
• Bite marks
• Blood stain analysis
• Clothing
• Documents
• Factual evidence which embraces any and all objects, gross or microscopic in size, living or inanimate, solid, liquid or gas including the relationship between all such objects
• Fibres
• Fingerprints
• Fire debris
• Paint
• Shoe marks
• Tool marks
• Tyre marks
• Vehicle examinations

Specialist practitioners  may include:

• Emergency services personnel
• Forensic scientists
• Industry specialists
• Police

Packaging and storing physical evidence  may include:

• Drying of wet exhibits
• Exhibit labels
• Packaging medium
• Physical nature of exhibit
• Storage temperature
• Tamper evident seals