Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Evidence may include:
real, oral, computer data or documentary
photographic or video
new evidence which results in reopening an investigation
requirements identified in an evidence guide or evidence matrix
Establishing resource requirements may require:
an estimate of the costs of gathering evidence
Responsible parties may include:
suspects
alleged offenders
obligation holders
employers
principal contractors
owners
operators
Particulars of responsible parties may include:
personal details
identification of assets and entitlements for criminal or civil recovery purposes
Authority to search may include:
warrant already issued
no requirement for search warrant under powers of enabling legislation
affidavit
confirming the legal basis for the search and seizure
appropriate information to ground a warrant
requirement to obtain search/seizure warrant before proceeding
organisational approval/s to undertake search and seizure
completion/submission of organisational documents relating to planned search and seizure
the need for assistance from other agencies/jurisdictions
referral to other agencies
Evidence collection may include:
voluntary submission
acquisition through legislative powers
following new lines of inquiry suggested during the process of gathering evidence
cautions
safeguards
Labelling of evidence may include:
date
time
location
details of person/s giving the evidence
person/s collecting the evidence
Evidence management may include:
systematic recording (such as dating and numbering)
indexing and labelling system
using written or electronic database systems
referral to prosecution organisations at any stage
constant reviews during an investigation
restricting access to evidence
and must follow the principals of chain of evidence/rules of evidence
Legislation and standards may include:
relevant Commonwealth/State/Territory legislation and guidelines
ethical and conduct standards
judicial standards which must be followed in evidence collection to ensure the continuity of possession and admissibility of the evidence
organisational policies and procedures
Expert skills and knowledge may include:
police, other law enforcement agencies
private provider
standards setting organisation
input such as:
search warrant
surveillance
scientific analysis
Reports may be:
to finalise case
to inform team members and management
to refer to other sections or organisations
to prepare for final summation in proceedings
edited and security coded for a particular audience

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms consistency of performance in gathering and managing evidence.
This will include evidence of:
planning for, collecting, storing and reporting on evidence (including through interview) for at least three actual or simulated siatuions on three separate occasions or for three different situations/contexts
adhering to legal, ethical and organisational requirements relating to gathering and managing evidence.
Context of specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to a real or simulated workplace environment that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered while gathering and managing evidence, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine.
Access is required to resources such as:
applicable legislation, policies and procedures
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of requirements for situations likely to be encountered
Method of assessment
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit of competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
written or oral questions
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations