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Practical Aspects of Arson/Fire Investigation
and Arson Case Management
Length of Seminar:
3 Days
Instructor: Steve
Riggs
Course Overview:
The purpose of this course is to provide Fire Investigators,
Law Enforcement Personnel, Insurance Investigators, D.A.
Prosecutors, and Private Fire Investigators, with an in-depth
course of study, covering investigative techniques used
to properly investigate, and conduct a Fire Origin and Cause
case. The course will cover the effects of different materials
and temperatures as they relate to fire, the types of fires
the investigator will come into contact with, the different
roles of the Fire Companies, Investigators, Insurance Companies,
Private Investigators, and Specials Assistance Groups. This
course has emphasis on Case Management, Evidence Collection,
Evidence Preservation, Report Writing, Courtroom Testimony,
Search Warrants, and Fire Scene Sketches. A comprehensive
Investigative handbook, including the necessary forms to
conduct an efficient investigation will be provided.
Performance Objectives:
Overview Of Fire
Behavior: Provide knowledge of combustible materials,
and the different effects that temperatures, melting points,
and conditions will have on the fire behavior. Examine the
different stages of fire, and discuss the fire indicators
and how that information can lead the investigator to the
origin and cause of the fire.
Investigation Management:
We will discuss the different roles of everyone that will
be involved in the investigation, and their affect on your
investigation. Proper scene security, benefits of a thorough
investigation, and the many rewards, documenting the fire
scene.
Fire Scene Sketching:
The area of instruction will cover the importance
of documentation with drawings and all the useful benefits
from a sketch. Examples will be provided, as well as, legends
you can develop and use.
Case Management:
Finding the Point of origin and determining the cause. Looking
for missing items, questions the investigator should ask.
Types of evidence present at the scene and how to look for
it, identify the evidence, photograph the evidence, retrieve
the evidence, packaging the evidence, and marking the evidence.
Obtaining and how to ask for the correct items in a search
warrant request. Defining arson, elements of arson, and
how to present opinions.
Pyromaniacs, Arsonists:
A study of motives and characteristics of different
fire setters.
Insurance Companies:
Here is a vast amount of information for the taking of Insurance
Companies which are now more than ever getting involved
in investigations from their loss control divisions, and
specialized investigative units. We will learn what information
can be shared and the benefits of working together.
Please see following page:
Excerpts Of Federal
Laws/Case Laws: An overview of some of the important
laws that pertain to fire investigation, and certain case
law that has come down affecting the investigator in respect
to his/her job.
Courtroom Testimony:
Your case can be won or lost in just one question in a courtroom
setting. Learn to be prepared. We will cover some trick
questions you will encounter, and how to better prepare
yourself before going to the courthouse.
Report Writing/Case
Management: A well written, well documented report
with all of the facts from the case being included in a
proper order, with all of the details of the investigation
will stand the test of time in court if properly presented,
and properly done. This block will cover instruction on
writing a good to the point report, also the use of the
forms given to you in the investigative handout book. This
book will cover every aspect of your investigation, and
if properly filled out in an accurate and complete manner
will stand up in any court, and will show the opposition
that you have done a complete and very professional job
of putting together your case for presentation.
Content Of Course Will Include:
- TRAINING MODULE WILL REFERENCE RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
FROM N.F.P.A. 921 (FIRE AND EXPLOSION INVESTIGATION).
HOW TO TESTIFY IN COURT WHEN CONFRONTED WITH QUESTIONS
DEALING WITH N.F.P.A.
921.
- TRAINING WILL ALSO REFERENCE INFORMATION IN N.F.P.A.
1033 (STANDARD FOR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE
FIRE INVESTIGATOR.)
- FIRE SCENE VECTORING (VISUAL ANALYSIS FOR THE COURTROOM.)
- THE USE OF TELEPHONE TOLL ANALYSIS INCLUDING HANDS ON
EXERCISE.
- THE USE OF MAIL COVERS AS AN INVESTIGATIVE TOOL.
- RECENT AND PAST CASE LAWS THAT CAN AFFECT YOUR CASE.
- ALL INSTRUCTION IS PRESENTED WITH LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
AND PROSECUTORIAL MERIT IN MIND.
- FINGERPRINT METHODS FOR FIRE/ARSON INVESTIGATORS. (ACTUAL
METHOD SHOWN IN CLASSROOM FOR OBTAINING FINGERPRINTS FROM
ROUGH SURFACES.
Note: Each attendee will receive a CD with
many helpful forms, questions for investigators, financial
questions and more. |
