Arson Report Writing Fire/Police Responsibilities

• NCJ Number: 91495
• Author(s): E Marenchin; T Parker; L W See; B Suda; J Vanderpool; R A Nedrow; J J Piatek; L L Smith; J Taylor; M Windsor
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 9 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Fire/Arson Investigation Research Paper, September 12-30, 1983

Annotation

This paper argues for the establishment of technical report writing involving both firefighters and police investigators in the investigation stages to produce a successful prosecution of the crime of arson.

Abstract

It maintains that the investigation of arson is one of the most complex investigations in the law enforcement field and that it is necessary for fire and police officers to work together in order to produce a successful case for the prosecution. A reporting system is therefore recommended and outlined that contains all the technical information acceptable to the prosecution attorney. The essentials of a report useful to the prosecution are that it show the existence of the fire, that it establish incendiary orgin of the fire, and that it provide proof of guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. To this end, the information included in a written report should be the fire company run report, investigation report (fire and police), data summary, scene sketch, interview from witnesses and suspects, and physical evidence to be entered into evidence at court. Four footnotes and five bibliography items are given. For related material, see NCJ-83308.