Cases of arson represent a threat, not only to the well-being of fire investigators but also to the security and welfare of the public at large. It is, therefore, important that an arson squad that represents a team of arson investigators to investigate fires and determine their causes. Arson investigators are required to use a lot of time and effort before they can determine the origin or cause of fire. They should be able to gather data in order to give comprehensive reports as to the origin and causes of fires. Arson investigators, therefore, require a lot of training and preparation coupled with unbridled dedication to conduct successful arson investigations.
Each arson investigator requires a number of items before engaging in the process of investigating any arson case. He must carry safety equipment of the highest quality because most arson investigation scenes are dangerous locations due to the threat they pose. However, there are standard tools and equipment that each arson investigator needs to ensure his safety and that of others. These safety tools include a helmet, dust mask, gloves and goggles, hard boots, firefighter’s coat and pants, and respirators. Additionally, an arson investigator also requires high quality and modern exaction equipment that they can use to conduct their investigations. This is because the main job of an arson investigator entails aspects of clearing through rubble left behind by firefighters at the fire scene. They must ensure that the exaction tools used at the fire scene are clean to avoid contaminating the investigation scene. The exaction tools needed by an arson investigator include hoes, shovels, rakes, chisel, hammers, wrenches, screw drivers, saws, knives, cutters, and crowbars. An arson investigator might also want to use electrician tools to complement his work.
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The arson investigator also needs tools for collecting evidence. These tools need only to be used once or should be thoroughly cleaned before and after use to avoid contaminating the evidence. However, most of these tools are usually disposed after use. Some of the evidence collection tools needed by an arson investigator include tools for sample collection tools, detection, measuring, and packing materials. Some sample collection tools include brushes, dust pans, eye droppers, gloves, dental tools, etc. Some detection equipment needed include thermometer, voltmeter, ph. paper, velometer (Samuels et al., 2000).
The arson investigator also needs lighting to help him carry out his investigations effectively. There are two types of lighting that he must have. These include a UV light and staged lighting. UV lights offer a simple and highly reliable source of lighting for arson detection. UV lighting can be very useful in locating the point of the fire origin and accelerant residues. Evidence of accelerant residues is sometimes nor visible to the naked eyes because it has been absorbed by the fire. However, these areas are made visible by the use of UV lights. Highly flammable substances and hydrocarbons such as kerosene, gasoline and other petroleum fractions are easily discernible under UV lights. The arson investigator also needs staged lighting at the scene of the investigation to offer lighting. These lights are useful in lighting up the investigation area and make it possible for the investigation to proceed smoothly. These lights are needed since most fire scene are usually dark and this can be a hindrance to any meaningful investigation (UVP, 1997).
The arson investigator needs safety equipment to protect himself against any possible injury in the course of his work. There are four safety items which are critical in his line of work. These include a helmet, dust mask, gloves, and goggles. A helmet is useful in offering head protection. A fire scene is a volatile area where any incident can occur including the possibility of falling objects. A helmet is very critical in protecting the head against such an occurrence. Goggles are used to protect the eyes against any harmful chemicals or dust that can be found in a fire investigation scene. They prevent dust and other harmful particles from entering the eyes and this is critical to the safety and welfare of the arson investigator. The other safety equipment is the dust mask. This equipment helps the investigator to avoid inhaling harmful dust particles and chemicals through the nose. Most fire scenes are dusty, toxic, and harbor dangerous gases and substances which can be harmful to an individual when inhaled. The dust mask is highly effective in preventing the investigator from inhaling such substances. Finally, the investigator also needs hand gloves to protect his hands. Gloves are useful in helping the investigator avoid exposing his hands to dangerous substances that can be harmful. Gloves help to reduce incidences of injuries and infections to the hand due to exposure.
The minimum number of personnel needed in an arson scene is two arson investigators. The main reason is that it is very difficult for a single investigator to carry our different aspects of arson investigations alone without assistance. There are times when some physical tasks such as sifting through the rubble might require more than one individual to carry out.
It is important to conduct a scientific interview in cases of arson because it helps to identify the cause, source, and suspect that is involved in the incident. A greater percentage of the information will come from firefighters who will give comprehensive reports as to the cause or origin of the fire. Another important source of information will come from medical practitioners who will give a medical perspective as to the extent of injuries, burns and cause of death, if any. Other witnesses can give information as to the circumstances that led to the fire outbreak before and after the fire. These will form important points that are of concern to the arson investigator.
In conclusion therefore, it is important for arson investigators to use the right type of safety tools to carry out their investigations effectively.
References
UVP (1997). Use of Ultraviolet Light in Arson Detection. Retrieved from https://d1jxr8mzr163g2.cloudfront.net/e078b84a-39d4-4321-a459-d29d781de4d4/77b4eda5-6d9f-49e9-92b1-b6c8842029fa.pdf
Samuels, J., Boyd, D. and Rau, R. (2000). Fire and Arson Scene Evidence: A Guide for Public Safety Personnel . National Institute of Justice. Retrieved from: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij
