Conduct complex forensic crime and incident scene investigations

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:41 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
POLFOR002

State Code
AVN95

TGA Status
Replaced

DTWD Status
Replaced

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
19/10/2015

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

30/03/2016

Field of Education

019903 - Forensic Science

Original Release Date

30/03/2016

Nominal Hours

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).Those 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. They would demonstrate knowledge of sciences as they apply to crime scene investigation while performing sophisticated 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. Develop plan for complex crime/incident scene investigation

1.1 Establish type and nature of incident to determine the methodology and resource requirements.
1.2 Conduct an initial assessment of the incident to identify potential risks.
1.3 Assess the incident to determine what additional services may be required to progress the investigation.
1.4 Assess the forensic investigation plan continually to adjust to developments within the incident scene and/or new information.
1.5 Analyse information to develop a forensic investigation plan.

2. Manage complex crime/incident scene investigation

2.1 Conduct an initial assessment of scene/s to prioritise the order of examination and collection of evidence.
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 Apply evidence collection techniques and sequencing to preserve evidence and prevent contamination.
2.5 Evaluate the evidence collection techniques to identify whether further evidence collection is required.
2.6 Interpret physical evidence and available information in order to develop a hypothesis.
2.7 Perform reconstructions and/or testing regimes to test hypothesis.
2.8 Negotiate stakeholder requirements throughout the forensic investigation.
2.9 Assess the incident continually to identify and manage potential risks.

3. Apply specialist forensic techniques

3.1 Assess evidence to determine whether specialist forensic techniques and evidence enhancement methods are required.
3.2 Select recording methods to maximise evidentiary value.
3.3 Record characteristics of evidence for further specialist analysis.
3.4 Select collection and preservation techniques to protect evidence and prevent loss or cross contamination.
3.5 Apply evidence enhancement methods to maximise evidentiary value.
3.6 Facilitate the analysis of evidence by specialists for interpretation/identification purposes.

4. Review examination critically

4.1 Summarise information gathered during the forensic investigation to develop initial interpretations.
4.2 Assess the outcomes of the forensic investigation to reach a conclusion for recording and reporting purposes.
4.3 Analyse the outcomes of the examination to inform the current investigation.
4.4 Review forensic investigation and outcomes of examination to determine whether investigative needs have been met.
4.5 Liaise with stakeholders to determine whether further forensic investigation is required.

No information

Replaced By

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
OFE35	POLFOR032	Conduct complex forensic crime and incident scene investigations	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
AWU7	POL84315	Graduate Certificate In Crime Scene Investigation	Qualification