Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 7:31 AM AWST

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Apply specialised forensic science techniques

Apply specialised forensic science techniques

Unit of competency
National Code
POLFOR031
State Code
OFE15
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
27/02/2024
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/03/2024
Field of Education
019903 - Forensic Science
Original Release Date
12/03/2024
Nominal Hours
0
Description
This unit describes the skills required to apply specialised forensic techniques within crime scene investigations. This includes identifying, enhancing, recording, collecting, and analysing evidence. It applies to police personnel and forensic staff as part of the forensic investigation of crime or incident scenes. The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to continuity of evidence, forensic information management, work health and safety (WHS) and quality management.Candidates undertaking this unit would be required to work autonomously and as part of a team. They would demonstrate the ability to critically analyse and evaluate crime scene related evidence to develop and test hypotheses. Candidates would demonstrate knowledge of sciences as they apply to crime scene investigation. They would further perform specialised tasks requiring strong adaptability across a broad range of unpredictable contexts.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess biological and non-biological evidence
  • 1.1 Identify physical characteristics of biological evidence materials to determine their evidentiary value.
  • 1.2 Identify physical characteristics of non-biological evidence materials to determine their evidentiary value.
  • 1.3 Recognise risks and hazards related to the evidence identified and apply mitigation strategies.
2. Record examinations using forensic digital imaging
  • 2.1 Assess crime/incident scene to select forensic digital imaging technique/s.
  • 2.2 Apply forensic digital imaging techniques in a methodical and sequential manner to record scene/incident/evidence.
  • 2.3 Manage continuity of forensic digital imaging images used for specialist examinations.
3. Apply presumptive/ confirmatory testing and enhancement techniques
  • 3.1 Select advanced forensic techniques for the examination of trace/gross biological and non-biological evidence material.
  • 3.2 Identify presumptive and/or confirmatory tests to determine sequence of forensic processing.
  • 3.3 Conduct field based presumptive and/or confirmatory tests to determine the evidentiary value.
  • 3.4 Select forensic enhancement techniques and their sequence to maximise evidentiary value.
  • 3.5 Conduct forensic enhancement techniques to assist in identifying, recording, collecting and interpreting physical evidence.
4. Examine evidence found on/associated with a human body
  • 4.1 Assess human body to locate evidence.
  • 4.2 Select forensic techniques and their sequence to identify, record and collect evidence.
  • 4.3 Apply forensic techniques to record and collect evidence from human body.
  • 4.4 Interpret the nature of wounds/injuries to inform the investigation focus.
  • 4.5 Interpret characteristics of human body associated with death to inform the investigation focus.
  • 4.6 Compare available information with examination of human body to verify or disprove information.
5. Perform comparative / interpretative analyses of physical evidence
  • 5.1 Identify comparative or interpretative analysis methodologies to maximise evidentiary value.
  • 5.2 Apply comparative or interpretative analysis examinations to establish an opinion of inclusion/exclusion or insufficiency.
  • 5.3 Acknowledge limitations of the information/evidence when providing an opinion.
  • 5.4 Identify assumptions and factual premises on which evidence is based to support the opinion.
  • 5.5 Assess the opinion to determine whether it withstands scrutiny.
  • 5.6 Justify opinions by explaining the process of reasoning.
6. Present expert opinion
  • 6.1 Assess opinion using peer review.
  • 6.2 Report opinion to inform investigation.
  • 6.3 Prepare and present expert advice to inform stakeholders of outcomes of examinations and opinion evidence at Court.
  • 6.4 Review opinion and delivery to identify future improvements.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVN97 POLFOR001 Apply specialised forensic science techniques Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BJJ4 POL84324 Graduate Certificate In Crime Scene Investigation Qualification