Unit title

CN 301

/ Start the forensic investigation process for scenes of incidents

Summary

This unit is about starting the forensic investigation process upon receiving information that an incident has occurred and where a forensic response is required.
You will need to gather all relevant information, decide the types of forensic examination necessary and make an initial assessment. You will also need to prepare for the examination and provide advice to others on control and preservation of the scene.
Maintaining your own health and safety, and also that of others, together with maintaining the integrity and continuity of forensic materials is of paramount importance.

There is one element:

1 / Start the forensic investigative process for scenes of incidents
Skills for Justice / Page 4
National Occupational Standards for Forensic Science / Final Version Approved October 2008

Element

1

/ Start the forensic investigative process for scenes of incidents

Performance Criteria

To meet the standard, you

1 / obtain the relevant information relating to the incident from the appropriate personnel and systems, including its location, nature and persons involved
2 / determine, where relevant, whether arrangements are required to access the scene, and take the necessary actions correctly
3 / assess the information you have obtained and determine correctly who should undertake the forensic examination of the scene, including whether there is the need for a coordinated response with others
4 / make a valid initial assessment of the appropriate resources required, including any specialist personnel and equipment, and the need for accommodation at the scene, in line with operating procedures
5 / identify all relevant people with whom communications are required, and provide them with the appropriate information
6 / identify and take the necessary actions to maintain health, safety and welfare at the scene
7 / access and prepare correctly any equipment that is required for examining the scene
8 / prioritise correctly the actions required, in line with operating procedures and the need to maximise the recovery of forensic samples
9 / obtain correctly the necessary consent and authority to carry out the examination in line with operating procedures and legislation
10 / establish whether there are people at the scene and their relation to the incident
11 / provide advice to relevant personnel regarding the control and preservation of the scene
12 / progress all required actions in a timely manner
13 / record accurately, comprehensively and contemporaneously all of the relevant information, in line with operating procedures

Unit

CN 301

/

Start the forensic investigation process for scenes of incidents

Knowledge and Understanding

To meet the standard, you need to know and understand

Legal and organisational requirements

1 / the requirements of current, relevant law, policies, operating procedures and guidelines relevant to starting the forensic investigative process for scene examinations
2 / the implications for your work of current, relevant law and organisational requirements in relation to health and safety, information and data handling, human rights, and the criminal justice system
3 / the importance of obtaining consent and authority for scene examination, and how to do this
4 / the importance of progressing actions in a timely manner
5 / your level of authority relating to starting the forensic investigation process, and how to address circumstances where this may be exceeded

Source information

6 / how to obtain information relating to incidents, and to identify the personnel who may be able to provide the necessary information
7 / how to use the IT and databases required for starting the forensic investigation process
8 / information collection and recording techniques relevant to gathering and disseminating information regarding scenes

Resources and equipment

9 / the types of equipment and resources, including specialist resources, and personnel appropriate for investigating scenes of major and volume cases and how to access these both in house and from other sources
10 / the preparation and use of equipment for investigations, and how to address any faults occurring in the equipment
11 / how to prioritise your work load in relation to scene investigations

Scene preservation

12 / the importance of, and how to control and preserve scenes
13 / contamination and cross-contamination issues, and related considerations, and how these are addressed

Health and safety

14 / potential health and safety hazards at scenes and how to assess risks to health and safety


Unit title

CN 301

/ Start the forensic investigation process for scenes of incidents

Evidence requirements

To meet the standard for this unit, you must demonstrate that you:

1)  Fulfil consistently the requirements set out under the performance criteria,

2)  Possess and are capable of applying the required aspects of knowledge and understanding.

The amount of evidence and appropriate number of assessments are to be discussed and agreed with your assessor. These will be dependent upon the nature of your work and your performance, and will be that necessary to assure your assessor that you demonstrate the above.

Use of simulation

The use of simulation is not allowed for any performance evidence within this unit.

Skills for Justice / Page 4
National Occupational Standards for Forensic Science / Final Version Approved October 2008