chapter 17

© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Investigative Resources

Chapter 17


Objectives

• Describe the various resources to keep the investigator safe

• Describe various investigative tools that are necessary to work a fire scene

• Describe two types of cameras that can be used on the fire scene

• Describe the benefits of creating a local fire investigative association


Case Study • An entire city block was burned• This fire was a great example of the use of

outside resources– Within hours, specialized units and personnel

showed up from federal, state and surrounding localities, including a K-9 accelerant dog from the ATF

• Next morning’s meeting revealed that the sample was positive for gasoline

• The perpetrator was never identified


Introduction

• It is important for the fire officer to know about the tools and resources available to the assigned investigator

• Teamwork is more productive if the first responder understands all aspects of the full investigation


Protecting the Investigator

• Fire suppression officer safety resources are limited to full turnout gear

• Assigned investigator should have several levels of protection available – From coveralls to fully encapsulated suits

• To ensure that all guidelines and regulations are met, best to approach those who enforce OSHA regulations


Gloves

Figure 17-1 Everyinvestigator shouldhave an amplesupply of gloves ateach investigation.


Testing the Environment

• Suppression forces should have been testing the environment before leaving the scene

• Best for the investigator to obtain a three or four-gas monitor/detector – Detector needs to measure at least available oxygen

and the carbon monoxide levels


Tools

• Safety Tools– It may be necessary to enter a hazardous

environment involving potential ignitable vapors– Any metal tool is capable of creating a spark– Non-sparking tools are usually made of brass,

bronze, or other metal compounds– All tools need to be thoroughly cleaned and dried

• Do not use any oil-based lubricants


The Investigator’s Toolbox

• Standard tools are needed – Assortment of screwdrivers and pliers – Socket along with extenders and handles – Various saws and cutting tools – Hammer, hatchet, and a small maul– Multi-tool containing knife

• Battery-operated tools are also a great assistance

• The best tools of all: mason’s trowels


Larger Tools

• Shovels: Flat blade, pointed blade, and a large scoop shovel

• A fire axe is necessary for larger tasks • A hux bar, or similar tool, can be handy for

prying and forcing


Lighting

• A good, strong, dependable flashlight is absolutely essential– Generator with floodlights also useful


Location

• Technology can help identify the exact location of each piece of evidence discovered– Specialized tools can give an exact latitude and

longitude of each point at a fire scene– Create a computerized report showing the location

• A compass is essential to make sure the investigative diagrams are oriented correctly to magnetic north


Camera

• Suppression personnel can make use of a good quality point-and-shoot camera– Minimum of 8-megapixel photos and at least 3x optics – Memory disc should be at least 1.0 gigabyte– Most limiting factor for any point-and-shoot camera is

the flash


Camera (cont’d.)

• Assigned investigator should have a digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera– With a larger flash attachment that accepts various

lenses– Manual settings that allow the photographer to

change the depth of field and shutter speed

• Depth of field is important


Incident Management

• National Incident Management System is a template for all aspects of emergency services– Including the investigative scene

• Accountability process is essential to safety


Additional Expertise

• An association should be created with neighboring jurisdictions– Purpose of most fire investigation associations is the

sharing of information – Creation of mutual aid between the jurisdictions– Training opportunities


Forensics

• Specialized tools for the discovery and collection of latent prints

• Many other forensic tools and processes at the investigator’s disposal– Collection of residual blood for serology– Tool mark impression examination– Paint chip examination – Debris examination for trace residue of a petroleum

distillate


State and Federal Resources

• State may have resources that can be of benefit – Investigators from the state police or state fire

marshal’s office may be able to assist on the scene

• Federal Bureau of Investigation has a great laboratory and personnel

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is an outstanding resource– Field agents, national response team, and laboratory


Other Resources

• Many states have environmental agencies with enforcement divisions – Can assist with identification of unknown chemicals or

substances

• Chemistry teaching staff at a college can be a wealth of knowledge

• Local building contractor can provide training opportunities


Detecting Accelerants

• Accelerant is something that accelerates the fire– Presence of an accelerant is not proof of an

intentionally set fire


Hydrocarbon Detector

• Device that can discern the presence of a hydrocarbon fuel at a minute level – Gives an alert or provides a metered display

• Needs calibration on a regular basis • Advantageous to use a multi device

– Scan for the presence of hydrocarbons– Read the atmosphere for the lower explosive limit


Accelerant Dogs

Figure 17-3 Theaccelerant dog is agreat resource forlocating the bestsample to send tothe laboratory.


Insurance Companies

• Insurance company may send one of its own investigators

• Insurance fire investigator may determine that the fire was incendiary in nature – Can then deny the insurance claim based on the

terms of the policy


Insurance Companies (cont’d.)

• Insurance investigator and assigned public investigator may work together– Arson immunity act usually provides ability of

insurance company to share information with public investigator without fear of civil liability

– Public investigator can share information but may need to keep criminal information confidential as per the jurisdictions investigative policy


Specialized Investigations

• Bomb devices or postblast scenes may require the assistance of the bomb unit from police departments

• Wildland fires create unique scenes• Hazardous materials also provide unique

situations – Local or regional Hazardous Materials Response

Team could be of great value


Specialized Information

• Even specialists may need to look up information that is not readily available in their resource manuals – The Internet is the next valuable resource

investigators have at their disposal


Summary

• The first resource to consider are those that help protect the fire investigator on the scene – Policies and procedures must be created to ensure

that proper equipment is available

• Setting up a local fire investigation association allows neighboring jurisdictions to band together

• State and federal resources (such as ATF support) can also be a great help

chapter 17

Education

cengage learning

tools safety tools

best tools

forensic tools

tools hammer

aboutthe tools

various investigative

larger tools shovels