Elements and Performance Criteria

A functional case management system
requires a systematic approach to planning
decision-making
conducting and managing investigations utilising project management philosophies
methodologies and tools
Tools used in the case management system may include resource spreadsheets, evidence matrices, tactical plans, assignment sheets, investigation plans

The investigation plan would include
the aims and objectives of the investigation
the possible strategies available to achieve the objectives identified risk strategies and costings.
It would also include reference to resources: the sources of the resources, their availability, limitations, and contingencies or alternatives

Communication channels may be
formal
such as a memorandum of understanding
or informal, for example, direct communication between investigation managers within respective agencies

Cross-jurisdictional issues include
Legal jurisdiction and jurisdiction specific issues

Organisational requirements and procedures may include
all investigation management techniques
such as exhibit control and handling procedures
interview methods
brief management
Investigation management should be consistent throughout the investigation and reflect best practice methodology

Resources include
human
equipment / physical
financial
information
intelligence and may be internal or external in source
as a case manager the investigator may not always be able to access all the required resources in some situations

Resource allocation decisions may be affected by
Staffing and equipment levels within the relevant agency

Auditing mechanisms
such as costings records can be included in investigation plan
Expenditure and use of resources should be monitored on a regular basis to ensure objectives can be achieved within timeframes and resource boundaries
Auditing may also be required to substantiate resources utilised and money spent

Potential risks could be from
internal / external sources
risk assessments should include potential for risks to individuals and organisations

Security arrangements should be implemented to ensure
Integrity of investigation and information and safety of personnel. Consideration should be given to the security classification of the investigation - ranging from restricted to top secret

Organisational security requirements may include
security checks of personnel
limiting the access of users on computer systems / databases

Critical aspects of evidence
It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in the ability to apply investigation plan to the coordination within multi-agency or multi-organisational investigations

Interdependent assessment of Unit
Pre-requisite: Nil
Co-requisite: Nil

Underpinning knowledge
the broad law enforcement context and the criminal justice system
organisation's corporate goals and objectives
legislation relevant to the jurisdiction/s involved in the investigation
case management systems
jurisdictional and organisational requirements of agencies, clients, and stakeholders
macro environmental impact upon investigations of serious crime, including government, policy, political, and community interests
operational budget and resource planning processes and options to control budget levels
access and deployment mechanisms to ensure optimal economy and efficiency in the use of human, physical and financial resources
opportunities, risks and constraint assessment which may hamper the investigation
internal auditing processes
risk assessment and management techniques
'duty of care' responsibilities
security classifications and requirements within own organisation
arrangements and procedures available to maintain operational security
specialist assistance available to assist with security assessments

Underpinning skills
oral communication and liaison (listening, establishing rapport, public relations, negotiation, conflict resolution, feedback)
written communication
managing the organisation's computer and/or manual information management system
organisation and planning
resource management including budgetary, human and physical resources and allocation/access
reasoning and logical analysis, problem solving and decision making
making high level presentations

Resource implications
No special requirements

Consistency in performance
Evidence of competency in this unit will need to be gathered over time and from across a range of simulated and/or actual workplace activities

Context of assessment
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments