The Daubert decision has helped to popularize NFPA 921 as a tool to support or challenge the reliability and qualifications of expert testimony. This is true in both civil and criminal cases in the federal courts and in state courts that follow Daubert. Nor is its use confined to dealing with expert witnesses.
Contents
- 1 What is NFPA 921 for?
- 2 Under Which type of evidence would a fire investigator’s report be classified?
- 3 Which of the following would be considered requisite knowledge for the task of interpreting fire patterns?
- 4 Who is responsible for investigating fires?
- 5 How do NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033 differ from each other?
- 6 How often is NFPA 921 Revised?
- 7 What is criminal investigation?
- 8 What are some common accelerants used in arson crimes?
- 9 How do you prove crime of arson?
- 10 Which of the following NFPA documents defines the professional qualifications for fire investigator?
- 11 What is the first line of defense against claims of evidence spoliation?
- 12 Is fire investigation complex and unique?
- 13 What is the difference between a fire investigator and an arson investigator?
- 14 What are three specific tasks that an arson investigator will perform at a crime scene?
- 15 Who investigates arson cases?
What is NFPA 921 for?
NFPA 921 sets the bar for scientific-based investigation and analysis of fire and explosion incidents. Referenced in the field, in training, and in court, it is the foremost guide for rendering accurate opinions as to incident origin, cause, responsibility, and prevention.
Under Which type of evidence would a fire investigator’s report be classified?
Any information in a written form related to the fire or explosion incident is considered documentary evidence. Documentary evidence is generally admissible if the documents are maintained in the normal course of business.
Which of the following would be considered requisite knowledge for the task of interpreting fire patterns?
1 PREREQUISITE KNOWLEDGE: KNOWLEDGE OF FIRE GROUND HAZARDS, TYPES OF EVIDENCE, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRE SCENE SECURITY AND EVIDENCE PRESERVATION. 2 PREREQUISITE SKILL: ASSESS FIRE GROUND AND STRUCTURAL CONDITION, OBSERVE THE DAMAGE AND EFFECTS OF THE FIRE, AND INTERPRET BURN PATTERNS.
Who is responsible for investigating fires?
Most of the nationally recognized fire codes give legal authority to the fire chief to investigate fires. In some cases the responsibility of the fire investigation may be another municipal or district entity such as the police or county sheriff department.
How do NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033 differ from each other?
NFPA 1033 lays out the minimum qualifications for a fire investigator, while NFPA 921 contains the basic knowledge base and methodologies required to comply with the NFPA 1033 requirements. The standards making process that regulates their ongoing development adds to their reliability.
How often is NFPA 921 Revised?
The new 2021 edition of NFPA 921, the Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, was released to the public on August 21, 2020. NFPA 921 is the industry standard reference guide, renewed by consensus approximately every four years.
What is criminal investigation?
Applied to the criminal realm, a criminal investigation refers to the process of collecting information (or evidence) about a crime in order to: (1) determine if a crime has been committed; (2) identify the perpetrator; (3) apprehend the perpetrator; and (4) provide evidence to support a conviction in court.
What are some common accelerants used in arson crimes?
Many accelerants are hydrocarbon-based fuels such as gasoline (petroleum), diesel fuel, kerosene, turpentine, butane, and various other flammable solvents collectively known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
How do you prove crime of arson?
The main elements necessary to prove arson are evidence of a burning and evidence that a criminal act caused the fire. The accused must intend to burn a building or other structure. Absent a statutory description of the conduct required for arson, the conduct must be malicious, and not accidental.
Which of the following NFPA documents defines the professional qualifications for fire investigator?
NFPA 1033 facilitates safe, accurate investigations by specifying the job performance requirements (JPRs) necessary to perform as a fire investigator in both the private and public sectors.
What is the first line of defense against claims of evidence spoliation?
What is the first line of defense against claims of evidence spoliation? Requires insurance companies to report any criminal activities found during a fire investigation. What is the purpose of an immunity reporting act for insurance companies?
Is fire investigation complex and unique?
Afire or explosion investigation is a complex endeavor involving skill, technology, knowledge, and science. The basic methodology of the fire investigation should rely on the use of a systematic approach and attention to all relevant details.
What is the difference between a fire investigator and an arson investigator?
An arson investigator will try to determine who is responsible for setting a fire; a fire investigator will attempt to determine the cause and origin of a fire.
What are three specific tasks that an arson investigator will perform at a crime scene?
Arson and fire investigators have a number of duties. On the scene, they will collect evidence, identify any potential accelerants, and work towards determining the cause(s) of a fire. They may also interview witnesses, assist in the identification of offenders in cases of arson, and arrest suspects.
Who investigates arson cases?
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the Federal agency primarily responsible for administering and enforcing the criminal and regulatory provisions of the Federal laws pertaining to destructive devices (bombs), explosives, and arson.
