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. Analyse information from the community 

1.1 Sources of information and records relevant to the matter being examined are identified

1.2 Information relevant to police issues is sought  from the community (including ethnic communities) and is collected and recorded in accordance with jurisdictional laws, policies and procedures

1.3 Information obtained  is analysed, sorted and collated in relation to the purpose for which it has been obtained

1.4 Accurate, concise, legible complete and understandable recording forms /reports  are produced in the correct format

2. Take and compile statements 

2.1 Comprehensive statements  are taken

2.2 All details relevant to the matter being examined are contained in these statements in accordance with jurisdictional laws, policies and procedures

2.3 Active and accurate listening is used when taking statements

3. Conduct interviews 

3.1 Interviews  are planned, managed and conducted to gather maximum amount of information relevant to the matter being examined

3.2 All interviewees are afforded their legal rights and are treated fairly and equitably

3.3 Interview techniques employed comply with jurisdictional law and organisational Codes of Ethics/Practice

3.4 Interviews are conducted and recorded in accordance with jurisdictional laws, policies and procedures

4. Use interview and evidence recording equipment 

4.1 All interview and evidence recording equipment  is operated in accordance with jurisdictional laws, policies and procedures

4.2 Records produced are authorised, stored and assessed in accordance with organisational procedures

4.3 Records produced are clear, audible and presentable as evidence to the courts

4.4 Maintenance and usage logs of equipment are maintained

5. Utilise police and other appropriate information/database systems 

5.1 Information entered on database systems is accurate, understandable, complete, verifiable and the required organisational data entry security procedures are adhered to

5.2 Appropriate sources of information are identified and correctly accessed

5.3 Information is legitimately retrieved from appropriate database systems

5.4 Freedom of information and privacy of information laws and/or guidelines are complied with

5.5 Information is accessed/stored in accordance with organisational codes of ethics/practice

6. Exchange information with other members within the organisation 

6.1 Communication links within the organisation/department are identified and utilised to exchange/share information

6.2 Information received is recorded and assessed for relevancy to the purpose/issue for which it was sought in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

6.3 Information is shared with organisationally sanctioned persons

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

Required Skills 

• apply investigative techniques
• apply questioning and interviewing techniques
• identify, label and store evidence
• operate interviewing recording equipment
• prepare and compile statements
• use police information systems

Required Knowledge 

• information types and their sources
• procedures and security measures for accessing, storing, retrieving and sharing data from police databases
• relevant jurisdictional laws, by-laws and regulations such as that relating to offences against persons, property, accessing information systems and privacy legislation
• rights of individuals in relation to the conduct of interviews and statement compilation

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:

• relevant information and record it accurately.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• interview and evidence recording equipment.

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.

Seeking information  may include:

• Addressing public order/general community safety issues
• Assisting in the investigation and/or prosecutions/coronials, of criminal activity, location of witnesses to and/or suspects of such activity
• Establishing participative community programs
• Locating missing persons
• Progressing/supporting court hearings/matters

Information obtained  may come from:

• Community business leaders
• Community watch groups
• Crime/accident/incident scenes
• Fellow officers
• Human sources
• Individuals
• Information databases
• Local government
• Local media
• Public community forums
• Public recreational areas
• Schools

Recording forms/reports  may include:

• Electronically-based proforma and reporting styles
• Hand-written proforma and reporting styles

Statements  may include:

• All details which may assist the investigation and/or prosecution
• All information required by court
• All relevant information

Interviews may be conducted  at:

• Hospitals
• Police stations
• Prisons
• Other agreed lawful sites

Interview and evidence recording equipment  may include:

• Audio tape recorders
• Basic fingerprinting equipment
• Cameras
• Video cameras and recording equipment
• Statements etc. that can be tendered as evidence in courts