Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this unit may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work contexts.

What are possible purposes of interviews?
Some examples of the purpose of conducting an interview include:
to ascertain facts surrounding an incident and gather evidence
to determine the appropriate action required to ensure public safety
to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.

What equipment and / or personnel may be used in conducting interviews?
Equipment used to record an interview may include electronic equipment, computers, computer notebooks and recording medium (e.g. audiotapes and videotapes).
Personnel involved in conducting an interview may include interpreters; police officers to gain entry, serve warrants, etc; corroborating officers; and guardians and parents if minors are involved.

Who could be a possible interviewee?
An interviewee may include witnesses, suspects, informants or complainants.

What are examples of admissible evidence?
There are two forms of admissible evidence.
Direct evidence: includes evidence and statements from those present at the time who may have heard, seen, smelt, tasted or felt something in relation to the incident and may include things that were in place at the time (e.g. gates and fences).
Circumstantial evidence: includes what was thought to have existed at the time but may no longer be there and cannot be backed up by direct evidence.

What could be involved in coordinating witnesses?
Issuing witness summonses and maintaining contact with witnesses to ensure their cooperation, communication and attendance at court / tribunal.

What information is required in a brief of evidence?
Precedents, relevant sections of legislation, witness statements, records of interview, admissible evidence and other evidence.

What are the critical aspects of evidence required for this unit of competency as a whole?
The critical requirements that are valuable for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below.

Assessment must confirm one's ability to:

conduct and record interviews and statements from interviewees, including witnesses, suspects, informants or complainants
communicate effectively with interviewees using active listening and questioning techniques
gather information on the case and identify admissible evidence
prepare an evidence brief
present evidence at proceedings
follow the rules of evidence and protocols relevant to the case
maintain accurate records in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit of competency are listed below and include:

legislation relevant to the organisation and the case
legislative and organisational requirements for the conduct of interviews, including electronic recording equipment
legislative and organisational requirements for the documentation of interviews, information and evidence
legislative requirements for presenting evidence
organisational policies and procedures relating to the preparation of documents and evidence, and providing expert opinion
admissible evidence
burden of proof
court / tribunal / commission procedures, protocols and processes
rules of evidence
requirements of a brief of evidence
common law versus judicial precedent versus legislation.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include:

interviewing and questioning techniques
communication techniques including engaging in complex exchanges of oral information, varying style and language structure to suit a range of interviewees and 'verbal judo' techniques
ability to resolve conflict situations
ability to operate complex technical and electronic equipment to record interviews where necessary
ability to prepare and write complex documents (e.g. witness statements and briefs of evidence) that reflect key points made in oral statements
ability to write reports using formal structures and language
ability to make comparisons and exercise judgement about facts in written materials
ability to analyse, research and take notes
ability to present evidence clearly and concisely
literacy skills to read, select and implement organisational policies and procedures and legislative requirements; follow sequenced written instructions; and record information accurately and legibly
interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities
oral communication skills / language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including negotiation, questioning techniques, active listening, acknowledging and responding to a range of views
problem-solving skills to use available resources and prioritise tasks.

What are the specific resource implications for this unit of competency?
For valid assessment, one
an appropriate workplace or an environment that reproduces normal work conditions
equipment and resources normally used in the workplace
a relevant animal control and regulation case that requires preparation (e.g. taking statements and gathering evidence) and presentation (e.g. to a court, tribunal, etc)
interviewee (suspect, witness, informant or complainant) and interview equipment
evidence, including admissible evidence.

What considerations should there be for consistency in performance?
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The skills and knowledge required to

What considerations should there be for context of assessment?
Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in an animal control and regulation workplace or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.
There must be access in either situation to the appropriate equipment and / or resources to enable one to demonstrate competency.

Are there other units of competency that could be assessed with this one?
This unit of competency

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this unit of competency. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
By seeking advice from supervisors and / or experts in relation to the case. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By preparing reports to supervisors and / or experts that contain recommendations for prosecution. (3)

Planning and organising activities
By coordinating and managing interviewees and witnesses. (3)

Working with others and in teams
By working with and supervising others on agreed tasks. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Not applicable. (0)

Solving problems
By resolving admissible and non-admissible evidence issues. (3)

Using technology
By using electronic equipment to record interviews. (2)