Elements and Performance Criteria

Documents can include
briefs of evidence
reports or legal opinion
requests for medical and other specialist reports
inquest briefs
statements
victim impact statements
court brief/summary of facts
statements/affidavits

Liaison and support for witnesses
liaison and support for witnesses is a continuing process and will therefore take place before, during and after a trial

Court preparation may include
being kept informed of investigation/court status
being advised of obligations and format for giving evidence
being advised of the procedure for obtaining witness fees

Witness protection may be undertaken by
specialised section for the case officer and may include bail conditions imposed on the offender

Support agencies are statutory or voluntary and may include
child welfare agencies
counselling agencies
victims of crime associations
court-based witness assistance
sexual assault units
medical services

Documentation in the monitoring of offenders may include
field reports
fact sheets
reporting cards
bail reports/advice

Procedures may include
those for offenders on bail
summonsed or on notice to appear

Authorities to be advised include
bail/watch house Officer in Charge and the court

Procedures for monitoring offenders may refer to
curfew checks
reporting conditions
residential checks
bail conditions

Circumstances may include
the nature of the offender's antecedents
protection of witnesses
likelihood of repeat offences
tampering with evidence

Discussions with the prosecuting authority may include
formal or informal and occur before during or after a trial

Prosecuting authority may include
Coroner and assistance to the prosecuting authority may be required before during and after court

Demeanour may include
dress standard
appearance
deportment
confidence

Professional standards may include
integrity
voice clarity
language
impartiality
respect for people and offices held

Necessary post-court procedures may include
discussion of possible appeal
implementation of judicial orders such as for confiscation or destruction of property

Relevant parties to be notified may include
the victim
the witness
internal and external agencies
other police
foreign embassies
defence forces
parents/care givers
Aboriginal legal aid
government departments

Critical aspects of evidence
It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in the application of jurisdictional laws, policies and procedures in effectively preparing and managing evidence, witnesses and offenders

Interdependent assessment of Unit
Pre-requisite: Nil
Co-requisite: Nil

Underpinning knowledge
government and policy environments within which interviews will be managed
organisational goals and objectives
relevant law (including the rules of evidence, continuity of evidence), policy and procedures
victim/witness support services
compilation of a brief of evidence
court procedures and processes

Underpinning skills
oral communication skills (briefing, responding to questioning, listening, reflecting, establishing rapport, negotiation, conflict resolution)
written communication in preparing briefs of evidence, exhibit register
organisation and time management skills
computer and information management skills
operational safety skills
witness/victim management skills, in particular cultural awareness skills, ethical behaviours and integrity
decision making and problem solving

Resource implications
No special requirements

Consistency in performance
Evidence for demonstration of competency in this Unit should be gathered over time and from a range of actual workplace or simulated situations

Context of assessment
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments