NCJ Number
83880
Date Published
1982
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Arson investigators and prosecutors tend to be critical of each other's performance primarily because of a lack of understanding of the problems and functions of each job category.
Abstract
Arson investigators frequently complain that arson has a low priority with prosecutors. Many prosecutors contend that they are unable to obtain indictments because necessary evidence has not been developed or has been overlooked by the investigator. Arson investigations are usually unfamiliar terrain to most prosecutors, and the low success rate makes such cases unattractive. Therefore, prosecutors should make an effort to initiate consultation with the arson investigator early in the case. The investigator will be the prosecutor's primary witness on the issue of incendiary origin, so a compatible working relationship is essential. In addition, the legal profession should be educated in the field of fire and arson investigation. The prosecutor must have a working knowledge of certain dynamics of an arson case, including fire cause and origin, evidence collection, the physiology of fire, arson terminology, investigative procedure, and current legal aspects of arson investigations. Federal, State and local training programs would enhance the prosecutor's expertise in this area. Three endnotes and a four-entry bibliography are provided.