Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
24/07/2026 7:29 AM AWST
24/07/2026 7:29 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.
Detect, record and collect forensic evidence
Detect, record and collect forensic evidence
Unit of competency
National Code
POLFOR054
POLFOR054
State Code
OFE10
OFE10
TGA Status
Current
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Approved
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/03/2024
Field of Education
019903 - Forensic Science
Original Release Date
12/03/2024
Nominal Hours
0
Description
This unit describes the skills required to detect, record and collect forensic evidence in order to maximise the potential evidentiary value of exhibits. This may be applied in the field at incident/crime scenes or in a laboratory. It applies to police personnel and forensic staff involved in forensic investigation. The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory, and policy environment in which they are conducted. Jurisdictional policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to workplace health and safety. canidates undertaking this role would work autonomously while retaining the responsibility to report to senior staff. They would demonstrate adaptability across a broad range of contexts while performing a variety of tasks. No licensing, legislative, or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Detect and assess evidence
- 1.1 Apply search methods to detect evidence.
- 1.2 Assess evidence to determine suitability for recording and collection.
- 1.3 Assess evidence to determine the potential for contamination or loss.
- 1.4 Use presumptive or confirmatory testing to inform recording and collection.
- 1.5 Determine legislative authority for examination.
- 1.6 Preserve evidence to minimise contamination or loss.
2. Record evidence
- 2.1 Assess evidence to determine recording requirements.
- 2.2 Create notes to document evidence details.
- 2.3 Sketch evidence to visually represent evidence details.
- 2.4 Digitally record evidence to capture evidence details.
- 2.5 Apply enhancement techniques to assist in recording evidence.
- 2.6 Use markers and scales to indicate location and size of evidence.
- 2.7 Review recordings to ensure conformity with quality and recording requirements.
3. Collect evidence
- 3.1 Use swabs to collect evidence.
- 3.2 Apply lifting techniques to collect evidence.
- 3.3 Apply casting techniques to collect evidence.
- 3.4 Collect evidence using handpicking techniques.
- 3.5 Collect reference samples to allow for comparison.
4. Package evidence
- 4.1 Assess evidence to identify packaging requirements.
- 4.2 Package evidence to minimise contamination, loss and risk.
- 4.3 Label packaging to maintain continuity.
- 4.4 Seal packaging to maintain integrity.
- 4.5 Store packaged evidence to maintain continuity and integrity.
- 4.6 Document evidence details and movements to record continuity.
No information
No information
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVN74 | POLFOR024 | Detect, record and collect forensic evidence | Unit of competency |