FRP 276 Fire Investigation 2

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2
Credits: 4

Provide advanced technical knowledge on the rule of law, fire scene analysis, fire behavior, evidence collection and preservation, scene documentation, case preparation, and courtroom testimony. Meets or exceeds FESHE requirements for Fire Investigation II (C0284).

Prerequisite: Completion of FRP 176 with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Differential Fee Yes
Student Learning Outcomes:

Recognize the need for the use of the scientific method for investigations.
Explain the rule of law as it pertains to arrest, search and seizure.
Describe the nature and behavior of fire as it relates to fire dynamics.
Analyze and determine the causes of fires and contributing factors.
Evaluate the use of incendiary devices, explosives and bombs.
List the procedures for fire scene documentation, including sources and technology available for fire investigations.
Explain the role of the fire investigator in courtroom demeanor and testifying.

Content Outline

Rule of Law.
- Arrest Procedures.
- Search and Seizure.
- Warrant Searches.
Interpretations of Fire Scenes.
- Structure Fires.
- Vehicle Fires.
- Ship Fires.
- Explosions.
- Wildland Fires.
- Hazardous Materials Fires.
Chemistry of Combustion.
- Atoms.
- Elements.
- Compounds.
- Organic Compounds.
Behavior of Fire.
- Heat.
- Flame Plumes.
- Sequence of a Room Fire.
- Effects of Environmental Conditions.
Combustion Properties.
- Liquids.
- Gases.
- Solids.
Electrical Causes of Fires.
- Wiring Systems.
- Ignition Sources
- Investigation of Fires.
Collection of Evidence.
- Photography Procedures.
- Sketching Procedures and Techniques
- Fingerprint Lifting and Collection Techniques.
- Preservation of Evidence.
Incendiary Systems.
- Basic Incendiary Devices.
- Explosives.
- Bombs.
Documentation of Fire Scene.
- Sketches.
- Photographs.
- Incident Reports.
- Log Sheets.
- Investigation Report.
- Chain of Custody.
Investigation of Fire-Related Deaths and Injuries.
- Homicide Fire Investigation.
- Scene Security.
- Scene Examination and Search.
- Scene Documentation.
- Autopsy Reports
Interview Techniques.
- Interviewing.
- Questioning.
- Advising of Rights.
- Exceptions to the Rule.
- Waiver of Rights.
Courtroom Demeanor.
- Court Procedures.
- Pre-Trial Preparation.
- Trial Exhibits.
- Physical Appearance.
- Testifying.
- Court Decisions.
Court Decisions.
- Daubert Decision.
- Benfield Decision.
- Kuhmo/Carmichael Decision.
Sources of Information.
- Local.
- State.
- Federal.
- Website.