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. Evaluate operational direction 

1.1 Investigation  is conducted in accordance with investigation plan

1.2 Process of continual assessment is applied to evaluate progress, and new directions are implemented in response to unforeseen events 

1.3 Regular briefings and debriefings  of all relevant personnel  are conducted to ensure the sharing of information

2. Manage information relevant to investigations 

2.1 Relevance and reliability of information sources  are assessed in accordance with organisational guidelines

2.2 Work practices and/or investigative techniques that address emerging technologies  are used to obtain information relevant to the investigation

2.3 Relevant information  is legitimately analysed, and documented to progress the investigation

2.4 Evidence from incoming information is controlled in accordance with organisational guidelines

2.5 All information obtained throughout the conduct of the investigation is assessed to determine relevance

3. Investigate subjects and suspects 

3.1 All relevant information is applied to identify and locate persons relevant to the investigation  and to eliminate persons who are not

3.2 Persons relevant to the investigation are interviewed in accordance with organisational policies and guidelines

3.3 All organisational avenues of inquiry  and investigative procedures are considered and utilised to identify subjects  and suspects 

3.4 Investigation techniques  are applied, in accordance with jurisdictional laws, policies, guidelines and established Codes of Ethical/Professional Conduct

4. Develop profiles 

4.1 Movements  of profile subjects/suspects relating to the offence are identified and recorded

4.2 Available information and intelligence is recorded in subject/suspect profiles

4.3 Risk/threat levels of subjects/suspects contribute to profiles and inform subsequent actions 

4.4 Documented profiles are securely distributed to inform relevant operatives in accordance with organisational policy

4.5 Profiles are assessed to identify further avenues of inquiry

5. Finalise investigations 

5.1 Relevant recommendations  regarding the investigation are developed and forwarded to the relevant authorities  for consideration/implementation

5.2 Persons relevant to the investigation are advised of investigation outcomes in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

5.3 Case management systems  are updated to reflect the status of the investigation

5.4 Documents  and exhibits are managed, developed and forwarded to relevant authorities for consideration/implementation, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

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

Required Skills 

• apply analytical techniques, in particular application of logic and reasoning to identify and select avenues of inquiry and substantiate these choices
• apply investigation methods and skills
• apply operational safety techniques
• communicate in writing (provide clear comprehensive, accurate and chronologically sequenced written documentation)
• communicate orally (listen, establish rapport, negotiate, resolve conflict)
• make decisions and solve problems
• prepare and submit documents

Required Knowledge 

• available resources which may need to be deployed to support the investigation
• case management systems and the range of contexts in which they can be applied
• correct interpretation of all applicable laws, policy and procedures
• court procedures and evidentiary requirements in provision of briefs of evidence for use by the prosecution
• different types of criminal activity and their elements
• ethics, professionalism and cultural diversity
• general background appreciation of pathology
• government and policy environments within which operations will be conducted
• impact of the police role on individuals and groups regarding law enforcement
• investigation principles and the range of investigation techniques available
• legal and ethical considerations in investigations which involve juveniles and indigenous people
• methods and process for subject/suspect identification and profiling
• relevant legislation
• role and functions of other agencies who work with policing in the conduct of investigations
• security issues and classifications

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:

• conduct investigations on at least two separate occasions in relation to different offences
• developed at least one subject, one suspect and one witness/victim profile
• finalise each investigation with a Brief of Evidence, legal submission, Coronial File or other relevant document.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit 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 when gathering and managing evidence, 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.

Investigations  may include:

• Criminal and/or coronial purposes
• Multi disciplinary approaches

Unforeseen events  may include:

• Critical evidence
• Withdrawal/reduction of allocated resources, which may be financial, human, physical and may include other agencies, such as:
• other police organisations
• National Crime Authority
• Criminal Justice Commissions
• other government departments/agencies
• non-government agencies such as financial institutions and insurance companies

All relevant personnel  may include:

• Investigation supervisors
• Team members

Briefing and debriefings  may be:

• Formal or informal
• Written or verbal

Information sources  may include:

• Internal/external agencies
• Suspects
• Surveillance provided by self or from other legitimate sources
• Witnesses/victims/human sources

Emerging technologies  may include:

• Internet
• Listening devices
• Mobile technologies
• New information communications technologies
• New systems
• Telecommunications
• Telephone intercept technology

Information  may be utilised in relation to:

• Identification of data collection plans
• Information analysis
• Linking of information
• Task allocation

Persons relevant to the investigation  may include:

• Complainant/s
• Coroners
• Defence forces
• Embassies
• Immigration Department
• Legal representatives
• Next-of-kin
• Neighbours
• Police pathologists
• Suspect
• Victims (individuals and/or companies)
• Witnesses
• Other non-police agencies

Avenues of inquiry  may include:

• Financial practicalities
• Human and legal constraints
• Physical

Subjects  may include:

• Locations
• Places
• Premises
• Vehicles
• Vessels

Suspects  may include:

• Person/s of interest in relation to the commission of the offence (or involved in the commission of the offence)

Investigation techniques  may include:

• Computer interrogation/data retrieval
• Doorknocks
• Forensic examination/analysis
• Human sources
• Internet
• Listening devices and other covert surveillance techniques
• Search and search warrants
• Telecommunications
• Using other sources of information such as media
• Other emerging technologies

Movements  may be determined by:

• Analysis of known habits
• Analysis of physical evidence
• Database inquiries
• Direct evidence from witnesses
• Reconstructions
• Time and movement analysis

Actions  may include:

• Arrest
• Caution
• Closing report
• Coronial reports
• Forfeiture of assets
• Investigation techniques
• Summons

Recommendations  may include:

• Changes to law
• Legal advice
• Policy and procedures of both internal and external agencies

Relevant authorities  may include:

• External (prosecutorial agencies or specialist service providers)
• Internal (supervisors/commanders)

Case management system: 

• Is defined by the organisation's operational practices

Documents  may include:

• Briefs of evidence
• Coroner's files
• Legal documents
• Preparation of reports
• Requests for direction
• Search warrants
• Summons/warrants