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New Fire / Arson Investigator Academy
Length of Seminar:
5 Days
Instructor: Mike
Dilley,
Steve Chasteen, or Kevin Reilly
Course Overview:
Conducting a valid, legal, and proper origin and
cause investigation is the first step in working towards
a criminal investigation in an arson cause. It is also important
in the investigation of accidental fires so future fires
and injuries may be prevented.
This course will cover state of the art investigation
practices for the new and not so new fire investigator.
Upon completion of this course the student will have the
necessary tools to become a professional fire investigator.
The training if followed will assist and prepare the investigator
for the challenges they may face in both criminal and civil
investigations and court settings.
Upon completion of this course the student
shall be able to inspect and evaluate the fire scene to
determine the area and/or point of origin, source of ignition,
materials first ignited and the act or activity that brought
the ignition source and materials together. The necessary
tools and equipment to perform the investigations will also
be listed and the usage of each discussed.
The student will be able to prepare diagrams
of and take photographs of the scene and utilize several
forms of field notes necessary to compile the final report.
The student will be able to identify, collect
and preserve evidence recovered at the fire scene using
the proper physical and legal procedures to retain the usefulness
of the evidence in court proceedings.
The student will be able to conduct interviews
to obtain usable information in the assistance of determining
the origin and cause of the fire and in preparing the final
report. Information will be provided on techniques for conducting
legal interrogations and obtaining usable confessions that
will withstand the challenges of the courtroom and legal
system.
The student will receive training in conducting
all post incident investigation processes beyond the fire
scene. Including the usage of public records, data searches,
and other financial records needed in a criminal and/or
civil investigation.
The course will provide information that
will prepare the student for making presentations in legal
proceedings, and in the preparation of reports that will
be usable for criminal prosecution and meet department requirements.
Resources That Will Be Helpful During Class:
- Copy of NFPA 1033 Standard for Professional Qualifications
for Fire Investigator
- Copy of NFPA 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigation
- Newest Copy of Kirk’s Book on Fire Investigation
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