This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to locate, record and collect evidence or samples that will be used for forensic examination or testing. Competency includes the ability to locate, collect, package, transport and store forensic samples.This unit applies to technical officers working in all industry sectors and government agencies, such as food, forensic, medical and environmental laboratories. The term forensic is used to describe the collection of samples that may have legal implications, such as those collected to verify insurance claims or prove paternity for payment of maintenance.All operations must comply with relevant standards, appropriate procedures and/or workplace requirements. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technical officer will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that clearly describe the scope of permitted practice, including varying workplace/test procedures and communicating results to people outside the laboratory.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.