2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
Online
Please note; this unit is only available to students approved for study in the Investigative Practice specialisation of R4C Bachelor of Arts with Professional Honours. For further information; please contact dpfem.enquiries@utas.edu.au.
Introduction
This unit is based in the workplace and will support you to become an investigator at the level of a Detective. Members of Tasmania Police who are not designated detectives who transfer to an investigative area should apply to complete LAW476 the Detective Portfolio to obtain their designation as detective.
The purpose of your detective portfolio is to serve as a collection of evidence that you can and have demonstrated the skills, attitudes, and understandings expected of a new Detective in Tasmania Police. Over a twelve-month period, you will collect evidence to demonstrate your attainment of each Intended Learning Outcome (and the associated criteria) listed below.
Summary
| Unit name | Detective Portfolio |
| Unit code | LAW476 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Health School of Paramedicine and Public Safety |
| Discipline | Policing and Emergency Management |
| Coordinator | Doctor James Dwyer |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania and Third Party(ies): Tasmania Police |
| Level | Honours |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Police Study Period 2 |
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| Online | Police Study Period 3 |
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- Key:
On-campus- Off-Campus
International students- Domestic students
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police Study Period 2 | 1/3/2026 | 3/8/2026 | 4/8/2026 | 26/12/2026 |
| Police Study Period 3 | 31/5/2026 | 30/11/2026 | 1/12/2026 | 29/5/2027 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Conduct interviews and interactions with a variety of witnesses and suspects to obtain relevant, accurate and complete accounts and information to support a range of investigations;
- Conduct a thorough investigation including the use of internal and external sources;
- Build and manage relationships with victims, informants, colleagues, and suspects during investigative and judicial processes;
- Complete Supreme Court files to support a successful prosecution with admissible evidence;
- Maintain investigations that are safe, withstand scrutiny and are ethical and fair.
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 091105 | $2,174.00 | $1,020.00 | not applicable | $2,249.00 |
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Requisites
Prerequisites
LAW477 Investigation for Frontline OfficersTeaching
| Teaching Pattern | This unit is based in the workplace but instructions on assignments and submission of these assignments will be facilitated online through MyLO. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | 3rd month portfolio submission|7th month portfolio submission|Final detective portfolio submission |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
There is no prescribed textbook for this unit. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Recommended Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator via the Reading List link in MyLO, or the unit Reading List on the University Library website. |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.