Unit title:
/ 9 Inspect evidence submitted for examination
Elements / 9.1 Maintain continuity and integrity of evidence
9.2 Prioritise and sequence examination of evidence
9.3 Examine evidence and record results
Scope of this unit
This unit is about the detailed examination of items and samples submitted for examination. This may take place at the scene of the incident, in a laboratory or in a suitable facility.
This unit contains three elements:

Element 9.1 Maintain continuity and integrity of evidence

This element concerns your ability to handle, examine, repackage or store evidence of all types minimising contamination, damage, deterioration or loss.

Element 9.2 Prioritise and sequence examination of evidence

This element concerns your ability to select and sequence examinations to assist with the investigative process, ensuring that such selection does not compromise future work, process or legal status

Element 9.3 Examine evidence and record results

This element refers to your ability to perform detailed examination of items of evidence, using appropriate tools, equipment, techniques, methodologies and sequencing.
Unit title
/ 9 Inspect evidence submitted for examination
You must ensure that you;

Element 9.1 Maintain continuity and integrity of evidence

a) confirm that evidence labelling is unique and corresponds with accompanying documentation
b) check that all documentation relating to evidence is complete and correct
c) avoid contamination, damage, loss, deterioration or destruction of evidence when handling and in storage
d) check that items or samples are stored securely and in suitable containers on arrival or transfer
e) confirm that items and samples are in a suitable condition for examination
Element 9.2 Prioritise and sequence examination of evidence
a) confirm purpose of evidence examination and items requiring priority attention
b) identify, select and prioritise appropriate items for examination
c) risk assess process and options for examination of evidence
d) identify and select a relevant range and sequence of examinations
e) identify and exclude examination processes or sequences which may compromise further work
f) assess the need for consultation with other interested parties
Element 9.3 Examine evidence and record results
a) ensure the examination is conducted in an environment suitable to type of evidence and nature of examinations to be performed
b) wear correct personal protective equipment
c) ensure availability of suitable, clean tools, equipment and consumables
d) perform agreed sequence of examinations, avoiding contamination and minimising damage to evidence
e) make sufficient, detailed and accurate contemporaneous records on examination process
f) record results of examinations in sufficient detail to aid investigation
g) pack and store evidence in suitable containers and conditions to preserve for future examination
h) dispose of tools, equipment and consumables in a safe and secure manner

UNIT 9 – Inspect evidence submitted for examination

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING FOR THIS UNIT

  1. how to establish and maintain the integrity and continuity of evidence
  2. requirements for safe and secure packaging, labelling, handling and storage of evidence
  3. methods and techniques for the detailed examination of physical evidence
  4. how to prioritise and sequence examinations of evidence
  5. factors influencing the prioritisation and sequencing of examinations
  6. how to evaluate and interpret results of examinations to present a final hypothesis and qualify conclusions
  7. agreed procedures and protocols in respect of prime responsibility
  8. intelligence potential of materials evidence exhibits
  9. the variety of evidence types across different disciplines and how to avoid compromising work of others
  10. factors influencing continuity, contamination or damage to evidence