CJC-FRN7967 - Trial by Fire: Arson Death Investigation

Course Description

This 16 hour course introduces how to navigate a joint fire and death investigation. This type of investigation is truly one of the most challenging criminal investigations to face either a law enforcement death investigator or a fire marshal/arson investigator. A simple response to a fire event can quickly escalate into a joint arson/murder investigation that uniquely challenges the fire or death investigator to not only fulfill the evidentiary and legal requirements of his or her own investigation, but also to coordinate with a different investigation at the same crime scene.

Course Outline

Law Enforcement first responders duties and responsibilities
Fire Department/Fire Marshal requirements at initial response to a scene
Components of fire
Coordination between multiple departments
How to prepare for trial with a death/arson investigation

Learner Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will have learned the following:

The duties and responsibilities of law enforcement first responders.
The scope and requirements of the Fire Department/Fire Marshal initial response to a fire scene and the ensuing fire investigation with respect to personnel and equipment resources.
Components of fire and the requirements of a "Cause and Origin" Fire Investigation.
Identify and understand the investigative coordination necessary between the Fire Department, Fire Marshal and Police/Sheriff upon discovery of a decedent within a fire scene.
Identify the requirements of forensic processing at a joint Fire/Death crime scene and how forensic processing impacts both fire and death investigative actions.
Identify the critical scientific testing relevant to evidence recovered from a Fire/Death scene.
Identify and understand the common departmental coordination and investigative mistakes that occur during the management of a joint Fire/Death Investigation.
Understand the trial preparation a prosecutor needs from a fire investigator or death investigator for a successful joint Arson/Homicide prosecution.

Notes

Method of Instruction: Lecture, PowerPoint and Discussion

Evaluation: N/A

Prerequisites

This course is being offered to sworn Law Enforcement Officers or individuals associated with a law enforcement agency only.