Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:16 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.

Apply specialised forensic science techniques

Apply specialised forensic science techniques

Unit of competency
National Code
POLFOR001
State Code
AVN97
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
0
Description
This unit describes the skills required to apply specialised forensic techniques within crime scene investigations. This includes identifying, enhancing, recording and analysing evidence.This unit applies to specialist police staff as part of the forensic investigation of 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 continuity of evidence, forensic information management, work health and safety (WHS) and quality management.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. They would perform sophisticated tasks requiring strong adaptability 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. Assess biological and non-biological evidence
  • 1.1 Identify physical characteristics of biological evidence materials to determine their evidentiary value.
  • 1.2 Identify physical characteristics of non-biological evidence materials to determine their evidentiary value.
2. Apply presumptive/confirmatory testing and enhancement techniques
  • 2.1 Select advanced forensic techniques for the examination of trace/gross biological and non-biological evidence material.
  • 2.2 Identify presumptive and/or confirmatory tests to determine sequence of forensic processing.
  • 2.3 Conduct field based presumptive and/or confirmatory tests to determine the evidentiary value.
  • 2.4 Select enhancement techniques and their sequence to maximise evidentiary value.
  • 2.5 Conduct enhancement techniques to assist in location, recording, collection and interpretation of physical evidence.
3. Perform comparative analyses of physical evidence
  • 3.1 Identify options for comparative analysis technique/s to maximise evidentiary value.
  • 3.2 Select comparative analysis technique/s to maximise evidentiary value.
  • 3.3 Conduct comparative analysis examinations to establish an opinion on inclusion/exclusion or insufficiency.
  • 3.4 Verify examination results to substantiate the opinion on individualisation, inclusion/exclusion or insufficiency.
  • 3.5 Record examination and results to substantiate the opinion.
4. Record examinations using forensic photography
  • 4.1 Assess crime/incident scene to select photographic technique/s.
  • 4.2 Apply photographic techniques in a methodical and sequential manner to record scene/incident/evidence.
  • 4.3 Apply light theory to determine techniques for photographic recording of evidence.
  • 4.4 Manage continuity of photographic images used for specialist examinations.
5. Examine evidence found on/associated with a human body
  • 5.1 Assess human body to locate evidence.
  • 5.2 Select enhancement techniques and their sequence to locate, record and collect evidence.
  • 5.3 Apply forensic techniques to record and collect evidence from human body.
  • 5.4 Interpret the nature of wounds/injuries to inform the investigation.
  • 5.5 Interpret characteristics of human body associated with death to inform the investigation.
  • 5.6 Compare available information with examination of human body to verify or disprove information.
6. Evaluate results of scientific examinations
  • 6.1 Review examination results for reliability and justification.
  • 6.2 Evaluate significance of the evidence to form a conclusion or opinion within the context of the investigation.
  • 6.3 Gather further information on evidence to validate conclusions/opinions.
  • 6.4 Collate information related to the forensic investigation for reporting purposes.
No information
No information
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OFE15 POLFOR031 Apply specialised forensic science techniques Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
AWU7 POL84315 Graduate Certificate In Crime Scene Investigation Qualification