Johnny Brown
11/08/2012
Final Term Paper
Arson Investigator
The reason I decided to choose this topic, and not something about a particular part of the fire service, is because I was watching a TV show CSI where they solve crimes and such. Well this topic of fire fighter arson was on the show where a fire fighter set a fire on purpose. So I decided that it looked interesting considering it is what I want to do. Fire fighter arson is basically when a fire fighter sets a fire and I will break it down on why some fire fighters do it, affects of fire fighter arson, basic profile of the fire fighter arsonist, fire service responsibilities in preventing fire fighter arson, and actions to take when a problem is suspected.
There were a number of people who had been arrested for this crime and were willing to share their motivations. The biggest reason was people were looking for recognition and liked to play the role of a hero. These people would get a thrill to be the reporting party or to be first on the scene. Another reason is a person might have a psychiatric problem that they have towards the fascination with fire. While others have a low self-esteem or self-confidence, and they want to feel like they belong to a group and are accepted by others.
There are many effects of fire fighter arson, which all are very clear cut effects, they include the possibility of injury, loss of life, property and financial loss due to fire, and the increase of insurance premiums that we pay when arson occurs. This crime of arson will also make the community loose trust in their fire department. This loss of trust could affect fundraising and that would seriously affect the fire service. If the person is caught it will defiantly put a strain on the department with the community on whether or not there are more crooked fighters or not.
Most arson investigators have a background in law enforcement, either with police or fire departments. Through job-related experiences and investigations, many police officers and firefighters gain knowledge of arson. Most arson investigation career positions require additional training, despite any on-the-job experience acquired. An associate's degree in criminal justice, engineering, science, fire science or chemistry normally is a minimum qualification, with further arson education often preferred. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms ATF requires a four-year degree.
Professional arson investigation organizations include the IAAI International Association of Arson Investigators and the National Association of Fire Investigators NAFI. Arson investigators are law enforcement officials who are responsible for verifying the cause of a fire that resulted in property damage, injury or death. Their role is to gather substantial evidence that will effectively lead to the arrest or even prosecution of the suspect involved. Arson investigators also testify as expert witnesses in court. They work in both the private and public sector.
Experience is usually gained from work in law enforcement, and taking special courses in criminal justice. Some arson investigators are graduates of schools that provide investigation and fire science programs, which cover topics such as incendiary fire, insurance and fire investigation, fire dynamics, and motor-vehicle fire investigation.
While earning their degrees and gaining work experience, aspiring arson investigators do volunteer work for local fire departments, attend seminars and conferences that focus on fire and arson investigation, pursue further studies, and join professional organizations such as IAAI International Association of Arson Investigators and NAFI National Association of Fire Investigators.
The job of an arson investigator is a combination of field and paper work. On some days, especially when handling cases, arson investigators go out to acquire evidence by inspecting damaged properties such as buildings and vehicles. They may also gather and interview witnesses or testify as expert witnesses in court. They either work in police departments or insurance companies.
They could also spend time in the office doing research, contacting witnesses, writing and filing reports, or conducting interviews. Finally, work may involve performing surveillance actions and interacting with suspects, which could potentially be dangerous.
Work hours are irregular depending on surveillance activities and the availability of key witnesses and other contacts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, as of 2006, the median annual salary for a fire investigator was $48,050. Fire inspectors and investigators employed by local governments earned a slightly higher median of approximately $49,690 a year. Salaries correspond to experience, and arson investigators who work in the private sector generally have a higher income than those who are employed by the government.
Fire Scene Hazards should remain aware of the general and particular dangers of the scene under investigation. The investigator should keep in mind the potential for serious injury at any time and not become complacent or take unnecessary risks. The need for this awareness is especially important when the structural stability of the scene is unknown or when the investigation requires that the investigator be working above or below ground level.
Personal Health and Safety should be cognizant of factors associated with chemical, biological, radiological, or other potential hazards that may threaten personal health and safety while conducting fire scene examinations. Where these conditions exist, special precautions should be taken as necessary. Special equipment such as rubber gloves, specialized filter masks or self-contained breathing apparatus SCBA, or hazardous material suits may be required.