Arson Case Management

July 28-30, 2014

Cost: $295.00 Location: Sandy City Police Department 10000 South Centennial Parkway, Sandy, Utah

Register online by contacting PATC: www.patc.com

Course Objectives:

Course Overview: The purpose of this course is to provide Fire Investigators, Law Enforcement Personnel, Insurance Investigators, D.A. Prosecutors, and Private Fire Investigators, with an in-depth course of study, covering investigative techniques used to properly investigate, and conduct a Fire Origin and Cause case. The course will cover the effects of different materials and temperatures as they relate to fire, the types of fires the investigator will come into contact with, the different roles of the Fire Companies, Investigators, Insurance Companies, Private Investigators, and Specials Assistance Groups. This course has emphasis on Case Management, Evidence Collection, Evidence Preservation, Report Writing, Courtroom Testimony, Search Warrants, and Fire Scene Sketches. A comprehensive Investigative handbook, including the necessary forms to conduct an efficient investigation will be provided.

Performance Objectives:

Overview Of Fire Behavior: Provide knowledge of combustible materials, and the different effects that temperatures, melting points, and conditions will have on the fire behavior. Examine the different stages of fire, and discuss the fire indicators and how that information can lead the investigator to the origin and cause of the fire.

Investigation Management: We will discuss the different roles of everyone that will be involved in the investigation, and their affect on your investigation. Proper scene security, benefits of a thorough investigation, and the many rewards, documenting the fire scene.

Fire Scene Sketching: The area of instruction will cover the importance of documentation with drawings and all the useful benefits from a sketch. Examples will be provided, as well as, legends you can develop and use.

Case Management: Finding the Point of origin and determining the cause. Looking for missing items, questions the investigator should ask. Types of evidence present at the scene and how to look for it, identify the evidence, photograph the evidence, retrieve the evidence, packaging the evidence, and marking the evidence. Obtaining and how to ask for the correct items in a search warrant request. Defining arson, elements of arson, and how to present opinions.

Pyromaniacs, Arsonists: A study of motives and characteristics of different fire setters.

Insurance Companies: Here is a vast amount of information for the taking of Insurance Companies which are now more than ever getting involved in investigations from their loss control divisions, and specialized investigative units. We will learn what information can be shared and the benefits of working together. Please see following page:

Excerpts Of Federal Laws/Case Laws: An overview of some of the important laws that pertain to fire investigation, and certain case law that has come down affecting the investigator in respect to his/her job.

Courtroom Testimony: Your case can be won or lost in just one question in a courtroom setting. Learn to be prepared. We will cover some trick questions you will encounter, and how to better prepare yourself before going to the courthouse.

Report Writing/Case Management: A well written, well documented report with all of the facts from the case being included in a proper order, with all of the details of the investigation will stand the test of time in court if properly presented, and properly done. This block will cover instruction on writing a good to the point report, also the use of the forms given to you in the investigative handout book. This book will cover every aspect of your investigation, and if properly filled out in an accurate and complete manner will stand up in any court, and will show the opposition that you have done a complete and very professional job of putting together your case for presentation.

Content Of Course Will Include:

TRAINING MODULE WILL REFERENCE RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FROM N.F.P.A. 921 (FIRE AND EXPLOSION INVESTIGATION). HOW TO TESTIFY IN COURT WHEN CONFRONTED WITH QUESTIONS DEALING WITH N.F.P.A. 921.

TRAINING WILL ALSO REFERENCE INFORMATION IN N.F.P.A. 1033 (STANDARD FOR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR.)

FIRE SCENE VECTORING (VISUAL ANALYSIS FOR THE COURTROOM.)

THE USE OF TELEPHONE TOLL ANALYSIS INCLUDING HANDS ON EXERCISE.

THE USE OF MAIL COVERS AS AN INVESTIGATIVE TOOL.

RECENT AND PAST CASE LAWS THAT CAN AFFECT YOUR CASE.

ALL INSTRUCTION IS PRESENTED WITH LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS AND PROSECUTORIAL MERIT IN MIND.

FINGERPRINT METHODS FOR FIRE/ARSON INVESTIGATORS. (ACTUAL METHOD SHOWN IN CLASSROOM FOR OBTAINING FINGERPRINTS FROM ROUGH SURFACES.

Note: Each attendee will receive a CD with many helpful forms, questions for investigators, financial questions and more.

Local contact is BL Smith 801 568-7240

blsmith@sandy.utah.gov