NCJ Number
151002
Journal
Fire and Arson Investigator Volume: 45 Issue: 1 Dated: (September 1994) Pages: 8-9,16,19
Date Published
1994
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Research conducted in 1992 regarding crucial ethical issues in fire investigations over the next 3-5 years revealed 57 issues that are important and need immediate attention and that ethical issues had not been formally addressed in this field of practice.
Abstract
The issues were grouped under the six functional areas identified in NFPAS document 1033, the Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigators. These functional areas are scene examination, documenting the scene, evidence collection and preservation, interview and interrogation, post-incident investigation, and presentations. Twelve of the ethical issues related to fire scene examinations; interviewing received the second most frequent number of responses. Nine identical issues are identified for evidence collection, post-incident investigation, and presentations. Seven ethical issues applied to all six functional areas: ensuring truth in opinions, data, and recommendations; maintaining appropriate confidentiality; managing personal biases; avoiding manipulation of findings; working within personal capabilities; saying no to inappropriate requests; and managing time toward the interest of truth. The International Association of Arson Investigators should use these findings in its Training and Education and Ethics Committees. Table and 9 references