NCJ Number
86581
Date Published
1981
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper outlines logical approaches that the arson investigator with limited access to equipment and manpower can use to determine the fire's point of origin and to collect data comprehensive enough for successful criminal prosecution.
Abstract
Serious prefire planning is essential for a successful investigation at the fire scene. Necessary equipment -- cameras, tape recorder, shovel, etc. -- must be acquired and organized, and chains of command and communication must be established. Fire/arson training programs can educate all fire crews on their roles in a fire/arson investigation. A community action program should be organized, drawing representatives from utility companies, local government, insurance companies, and the legislature. The scene investigation includes six activities. These are the investigator's arrival to assess the scene, segregate potential witnesses, and begin to construct a time chronology; briefing and debriefing fire crews; scene photography and sketching; report narrative, evidence seizure, and witness statements; compiling all statements, photos, evidence, investigator's narratives, and laboratory reports into a looseleaf notebook for use in court; and developing motives. Postfire activities include refurbishing equipment, followup investigations to fill gaps in the scene report, and maintaining contacts with witnesses who will be used during the trial. The paper provides an equipment list, a fire cause and origin checklist, and a detailed article on determining the cause and origin of a fire.