Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
24/07/2026 1:41 AM AWST

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Develop forensic crime scene expertise

Develop forensic crime scene expertise

Unit of competency
National Code
POLFOR004
State Code
AVN94
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 develop expertise in forensic crime scene investigation. This will include conducting applied research, presenting expert evidence, conducting peer reviews, and maintaining discipline expertise.This unit applies to specialist police staff as part of their involvement in the forensic crime scene investigation discipline.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 quality management, case management systems, forensic investigations and work health and safety (WHS).Those undertaking this unit would be required to work autonomously and as part of a team. They would demonstrate the ability to manage a research project, conduct peer reviews, and provide expert evidence. They would demonstrate knowledge of sciences as they apply to crime scene investigation while performing sophisticated tasks 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. Conduct applied research
  • 1.1 Develop hypothesis to guide research proposal.
  • 1.2 Conduct a literature review using various search techniques.
  • 1.3 Justify the research proposal in relation to the forensic discipline supported by the jurisdiction.
  • 1.4 Analyse research methodology in terms of suitability and potential limitations.
  • 1.5 Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of data/information collection techniques.
  • 1.6 Identify factors that may impact on reliability and validity of the results to protect the integrity of the research project.
  • 1.7 Identify resources for the research taking into consideration cost, availability and access.
  • 1.8 Identify alternative resources or methodologies to ensure that the scope of the research project is met.
  • 1.9 Evaluate hypothesis against the analysis findings and legal and ethical considerations.
  • 1.10 Review data and research findings for accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.
  • 1.11 Report research findings to inform broader forensic community.
2. Form an expert opinion
  • 2.1 Evaluate information relevant to the investigation critically to form an expert opinion.
  • 2.2 Develop alternative hypotheses to test the expert opinion.
  • 2.3 Test hypotheses against information using scientific methodology.
  • 2.4 Identify the most likely hypothesis to form a basis for the opinion.
  • 2.5 Acknowledge limitations of the information/evidence when providing an expert opinion.
  • 2.6 Identify assumptions and factual premises on which evidence is based to support the expert opinion.
  • 2.7 Assess the expert opinion to determine whether it withstands scrutiny.
  • 2.8 Justify opinions by explaining the process of reasoning.
3. Present expert opinion
  • 3.1 Validate expert opinion using peer review.
  • 3.2 Report expert opinion to inform investigation.
  • 3.3 Prepare demonstrative tools to assist provision of expert evidence.
  • 3.4 Deliver expert opinion to aid judicial enquiry process.
  • 3.5 Review expert opinion and delivery to identify future improvements.
4. Undertake peer case work review
  • 4.1 Review case work within a quality management system to validate results.
  • 4.2 Review information in a case file to determine quality, accuracy and completeness.
  • 4.3 Form an independent opinion from reviewed information in isolation from the case file opinion.
  • 4.4 Compare the independent opinion with the case findings for verification purposes.
  • 4.5 Communicate feedback to the original author of the case file.
5. Evaluate scientific literature and research findings critically
  • 5.1 Identify sources of contemporary information that may be relevant to forensic investigations.
  • 5.2 Evaluate contemporary information to determine potential applicability and suitability within forensic investigations.
  • 5.3 Develop recommendations on better practice based on contemporary research and literature.
No information
No information
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OFE23 POLFOR034 Conduct applied research Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
AWU7 POL84315 Graduate Certificate In Crime Scene Investigation Qualification