NCJ Number
82699
Date Published
1982
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper suggests that two separate qualifications for arson investigators be established -- one for individuals with a fire background and one for individuals with a police background.
Abstract
Fire/arson investigators must have natural ability, aptitude, and a desire to do the job. They must possess the ability to recognize physical evidence. They must be able to relate evidence to the sequence and interpretation of criminal action before the evidence is altered or collected in any manner. Thus, investigators must possess a total blend of fire, police, and allied knowledge. They should have 5 years of practical fire fighting experience; and a working knowledge of fire chemistry, fire behavior, construction methods and materials, reaction of materials to fire exposure, point of origin location, char interpretation, material burning rate and characteristic heat release, and establishing probable cause. Additional education in fire/arson investigation, 5 years practical experience on the police force, general knowledge of forensic medicine, and knowledge of bombs and explosives is required. However, practically speaking, no one has this breadth of knowledge. A team concept is suggested in which a firefighter and police officer work together as a fire/arson investigation team. Each professional would have separate qualifications including an internship. A new investigator would be assigned to an existing team during the internship, after which a hands-on evaluation would be made to assure that the investigator had attained a specified level of competence. Seven footnotes and four references are provided.