Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 4:58 AM AWST

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Conduct an initial investigation

Conduct an initial investigation

Unit of competency
National Code
POLGEN044
State Code
OFE19
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
091105 - Police Studies
Original Release Date
12/03/2024
Nominal Hours
0
Description
This unit describes the competencies required to conduct initial investigations, including managing incident scenes, gathering and assessing information and evidence, managing exhibits, interviewing participants, conducting searches and processing persons of interest. It applies to candidates working in a policing environment, typically in a general duties role. The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the current 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 preservation of evidence, collecting of information, handling of exhibits and lawful searches. Candidates undertaking this unit would primarily work independently or under limited supervision, while performing specific tasks in a broad range of contexts. They would be required to apply decision making and problem-solving skills to interpret behaviours and develop solutions. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Manage incident scene
  • 1.1 Assess situation to determine whether an investigation is required.
  • 1.2 Ensure scene and evidence is secured to facilitate investigation.
  • 1.3 Communicate resource requirements to internal and external stakeholders.
  • 1.4 Determine witnesses and persons of interest to support the investigation.
  • 1.5 Identify details of the scene for recording purposes.
2. Gather information and evidence
  • 2.1 Identify information that may be relevant to the investigation.
  • 2.2 Obtain information in an ethical and professional manner to ensure the integrity of the investigation.
  • 2.3 Collect potential evidence for recording and investigation purposes.
3. Assess information and evidence
  • 3.1 Analyse information to determine its relevance to the investigation.
  • 3.2 Evaluate information and evidence to determine whether an offence has been committed.
4. Manage exhibits
  • 4.1 Handle exhibits to minimise contamination and maintain integrity.
  • 4.2 Adhere to continuity of evidence principles to preserve the evidentiary value of exhibits.
  • 4.3 Assess exhibits to determine whether further forensic analysis is required.
  • 4.4 Use evidentiary recording and collection equipment to manage and store exhibits.
5. Interview victims and witnesses
  • 5.1 Develop an initial interview plan to obtain information and support investigation.
  • 5.2 Assess welfare of victims/witness for referral purposes.
  • 5.3 Take statements from victims/witness for evidentiary purposes.
  • 5.4 Review statements with victims/witness to ensure details and chronology have been accurately recorded.
  • 5.5 Assess statements to identify potential avenues of further inquiry within the investigation.
6. Conduct an interview with persons of interest
  • 6.1 Manage interview process in accordance with custody requirements.
  • 6.2 Plan interview in accordance with investigative requirements.
  • 6.3 Explain the interview process to person of interest to provide an understanding of legal rights.
  • 6.4 Use investigative interviewing techniques to identify and collect relevant information.
  • 6.5 Assess interview to identify potential options for judicial processes and other avenues for investigation.
7. Complete searches
  • 7.1 Assess risk to protect safety of self, colleagues and public.
  • 7.2 Plan search according to legislative requirements and resource constraints.
  • 7.3 Conduct search of person, vehicle or place in a safe and lawful manner.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBH70 POLGEN031 Conduct an initial investigation Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BJJ6 POL50124 Diploma of Policing Qualification