The Arson Investigation Process Dan Gearhart Division Chief

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The Arson Investigation Process Dan Gearhart, Division Chief / Investigator

The Arson Investigation Process Dan Gearhart, Division Chief / Investigator

The Arson Investigators n Fire Department n Police Department n Deputy State Fire Marshals

The Arson Investigators n Fire Department n Police Department n Deputy State Fire Marshals n Federal Agencies (BATF) n Special Fire and Arson Task Forces n Insurance Company Investigators (SIU) n Private Investigators

Targets of Arson Anything that a person wants damaged by fire n Motives for

Targets of Arson Anything that a person wants damaged by fire n Motives for Arson: n – – Revenge – personal or professional vendettas Vandalism – crime of opportunity Profit – Monetary gain Crime Concealment – attempting to cover another crime. – Excitement – Sense of power or seeking recognition – Extremism – Social protest again governments or corporations.

Arson Investigation Sequence 1. Fire occurs 2. Fire Department is called 3. Initial Examination

Arson Investigation Sequence 1. Fire occurs 2. Fire Department is called 3. Initial Examination by IC 4. Investigator(s) requested 5. Briefing from Incident Commander 6. Examination of the scene 7. Initial interviews a. Witness b. Neighbors

Arson Investigation Sequence c. d. e. f. First arriving Police Officers Firefighters Occupants Property

Arson Investigation Sequence c. d. e. f. First arriving Police Officers Firefighters Occupants Property Owners

Arson Investigation Sequence 8. Scene Documentation a. Photographs b. Video c. Drawings

Arson Investigation Sequence 8. Scene Documentation a. Photographs b. Video c. Drawings

Arson Investigation Sequence 9. Scene Examination a. Observe areas of damage b. Observe burn

Arson Investigation Sequence 9. Scene Examination a. Observe areas of damage b. Observe burn patterns c. Compare observations to statements d. Examine and remove debris e. Evaluate systems (Gas, Electrical) f. Observe for indicators of Arson

Arson Investigation Sequence n Indicators – – – – – of Arson: Use of

Arson Investigation Sequence n Indicators – – – – – of Arson: Use of Accelerants Multiple points of origin Trailers Low level charring Arrangement of materials and furniture Ignition devices Doors, windows open Holes in walls, floors, ceilings Fire Protection devices disabled Forced entry

Arson Investigation Sequence 10. Collect Evidence a. Properly collected b. Maintain chain of custody

Arson Investigation Sequence 10. Collect Evidence a. Properly collected b. Maintain chain of custody c. Evidence properly secured d. Submitted for analysis

Arson Investigation Sequence 11. Evaluate the evidence 12. Evaluate the statements for credibility 13.

Arson Investigation Sequence 11. Evaluate the evidence 12. Evaluate the statements for credibility 13. Conduct follow-up interviews 14. Determine Area of Origin

Arson Investigation Sequence 15. Determine fire cause a. Process of elimination b. Source and

Arson Investigation Sequence 15. Determine fire cause a. Process of elimination b. Source and form of heat causing ignition c. First material ignited d. Ignition sequence e. Render an opinion – based on the Scientific Method

Arson Investigation Sequence ü Probable – More likely true than not ü Possible –

Arson Investigation Sequence ü Probable – More likely true than not ü Possible – Feasible, but not probable 16. Classify the Cause a. Accidental – Does not involve a deliberate human act b. Natural – Lightning, earthquake c. Incendiary – willful and maliciously causing a fire d. Undetermined – Cause cannot be proven

Arson Investigation Sequence n The term “Suspicious” is not an accurate description of a

Arson Investigation Sequence n The term “Suspicious” is not an accurate description of a fire cause. Suspicion is a level of proof, or certainty, and not an acceptable level of certainty for classifying the cause.

Arson Investigation Sequence 17. If incendiary, identify possible suspects 18. Obtain information on suspect

Arson Investigation Sequence 17. If incendiary, identify possible suspects 18. Obtain information on suspect 19. Conduct suspect interview a. Seek a confession 20. If confession is made, arrest suspect 21. If no confession: a. End interview, suspects leaves, or; b. Arrest suspect based on the evidence

Arson Investigation Sequence 22. Prepare Investigative Report – File with District Attorney’s Office Ø

Arson Investigation Sequence 22. Prepare Investigative Report – File with District Attorney’s Office Ø If arrested, request suspect answer to the charges Ø If not arrested, request an arrest warrant be issued

Arson Investigation Sequence 23. Perform case follow-up if needed 24. Testify in court

Arson Investigation Sequence 23. Perform case follow-up if needed 24. Testify in court

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