Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 7:36 AM AWST

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Conduct complex forensic crime and incident scene investigations

Conduct complex forensic crime and incident scene investigations

Unit of competency
National Code
POLFOR032
State Code
OFE35
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
27/02/2024
View on TGA
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 perform a detailed investigation of complex crime/incident scenes. This will include planning for and managing complex crime/incident scene investigations, examining evidence, and reviewing the examination. This unit applies to specialist police staff as part of the forensic investigation of complex 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 quality management, forensic investigations and work health and safety (WHS). 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 while performing specialised tasks 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. Formulate a plan for complex crime/incident scene investigation
  • 1.1 Establish type and nature of incident to determine the methodology and resource requirements to progress the investigation.
  • 1.2 Conduct an initial risk and hazard assessment of the incident scene to identify mitigation strategies.
  • 1.3 Analyse information to formulate a forensic investigation plan.
  • 1.4 Assess the forensic investigation plan continually to adjust to developments within the incident scene and/or new information.
2. Manage complex crime/incident scene investigation
  • 2.1 Identify and deploy human and physical resources for the forensic investigation.
  • 2.2 Perform a methodical search to identify and locate physical evidence.
  • 2.3 Determine the sequencing of evidence collection and the use of resources to maximise evidentiary value.
  • 2.4 Identify and mitigate risks associated with cognitive bias and their impact on decision making.
  • 2.5 Apply evidence collection techniques and sequencing to preserve evidence and prevent contamination.
  • 2.6 Evaluate the evidence collection techniques to identify whether further evidence collection is required.
  • 2.7 Consult stakeholder and confirm requirements throughout the forensic investigation.
  • 2.8 Assess the incident continually to identify and manage potential risks and hazards.
3. Apply specialist forensic techniques
  • 3.1 Assess evidence to determine whether specialist forensic techniques and evidence enhancement methods are required.
  • 3.2 Select and apply evidence recording and enhancement methods to maximise evidentiary value.
  • 3.3 Select and apply collection and preservation techniques to protect evidence and prevent loss or cross contamination.
  • 3.4 Facilitate the analysis of evidence by specialists for interpretation/identification purposes.
4. Review examination critically
  • 4.1 Review physical evidence and information gathered during initial forensic investigation to develop hypotheses.
  • 4.2 Interpret physical evidence and available information to test the hypotheses, including the null.
  • 4.3 Perform reconstructions and/or testing regimes to test hypotheses.
  • 4.4 Analyse the outcomes of the examination to inform the current investigation.
  • 4.5 Review forensic investigation and outcomes of examination to determine whether investigative needs have been met.
  • 4.6 Liaise with stakeholders to determine whether further forensic investigation is required.
  • 4.7 Assess the outcomes of the forensic investigation to reach a conclusion for recording and reporting purposes.
5. Undertake peer case work review
  • 5.1 Review case work within a quality management system to validate results.
  • 5.2 Review information in a case file to determine quality, accuracy, and completeness.
  • 5.3 Form an independent opinion from reviewed information in isolation from the case file opinion.
  • 5.4 Compare the independent opinion with the case findings for verification purposes.
  • 5.5 Communicate feedback to the original author of the case file.
6. Evaluate and present results of scientific examinations
  • 6.1 Review examination results for reliability and validity.
  • 6.2 Evaluate significance of the evidence to form a conclusion or opinion within the context of the investigation.
  • 6.3 Identify and assess further information on evidence to validate conclusions/opinions.
  • 6.4 Collate information related to the forensic investigation for reporting purposes.
  • 6.5 Prepare and present expert advice to inform stakeholders of outcomes of examinations and opinion evidence at Court.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVN95 POLFOR002 Conduct complex forensic crime and incident scene investigations Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BJJ4 POL84324 Graduate Certificate In Crime Scene Investigation Qualification