Practical Fire and Arson Investigation


Book Description

This bestselling second edition introduces new case studies to illustrate concepts explained in the text and includes information about eliminating accidental causes of fires and investigating fatal fires. Additional information on studies in bloodstain evidence found at fire scenes is presented as well. The book also addresses the National Fire Protection Association Standards 921, regarding proper fire investigation procedures, and NFPA Standards 1033, Fire Investigator Qualifications. The NFPA Standards are the recognized standards in the industry, and are essential information for all fire investigators, from rookies to veterans.




Practical Fire and Arson Investigation, Second Edition


Book Description

Did you know. . . . . . that arson has been described as the fastest-growing crime in America? . . . that arson is the most expensive crime committed? . . . that over 8 billion dollars was estimated lost due to fires in 1994? . . . that an estimated 86,000 structure fires of incendiary or suspicious origin were reported in 1994? David Redsicker provides these statistics and much more, including practical methods, information, and advice for investigating these types of crimes, in Practical Fire and Arson Investigation, Second Edition. Extensively rewritten second edition of this practical manual - More than 40% new material! Practical Fire and Arson Investigation, Second Edition is a significantly revised, updated, and expanded new edition of this best-selling book in the Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations series, edited by Vernon Geberth. As in the first edition, specific details on the basic principles are presented, and advanced applied techniques for conducting a thorough fire and arson investigation are detailed. New topics covered in the Second Edition include: Extensively rewritten chapters on determining origin and cause, eliminating accidental fire causes, investigating fatal fires and vehicular fires, and documenting the fire/crime scene Fire scene photography using "painting with light" Importance of evidence preservation and analysis in civil litigation of liability and product defects




Fire Investigator


Book Description

This resource is designed to encourage critical thinking and aid comprehension of the course material. The Student Workbook also includes an answer key that is page referenced to the Fire Investigator: Principles and Practice to NFPA 921 and 1033 text.




Scientific Protocols for Fire Investigation, Second Edition


Book Description

Knowledge of the science behind fires is critical to understanding a fire’s cause and successfully presenting that determination to the authorities or in litigation. Now in its second edition, Scientific Protocols for Fire Investigation focuses on the practical application of scientific principles to determine the causes of fires. Uniquely qualified with years of experience in on-site investigations, lab analyses, and courtroom presentation, the author provides a resource that is unparalleled in depth and focus. The book explores: The history of fire investigation and the basic chemistry and physics of fire The science of fire dynamics—how things burn and how they interact with their surroundings while doing so Practical procedures for conducting fire scene inspections Laboratory examination of fire debris to test for the presence of ignitable liquid residues and for potential ignition sources Relevant scientific principles as applied to 30 actual fires The evolution of the mythology of arson investigation The common root causes of errors in fire investigation The final chapter discusses the professional practice of fire investigation. It examines quality assurance, business practices, and the fundamentals of being an expert witness, with advice for giving testimony in depositions and at trial. Other highlights of the second edition include new and expanded discussions on novel training methods, first assumptions, computer fire modeling, low voltage ignition sources, the questionable validity of some origin determinations, and recent changes in NFPA 921. Thorough and accessible, this volume not only provides the practical information necessary to conduct an effective inquiry but also offers insight into the science, history, and theory behind what makes fire investigation a multi-faceted profession. John Lentini discusses the book in a video on the CRC Press YouTube Channel.




Practical Bomb Scene Investigation, Second Edition


Book Description

Now in its second edition, Practical Bomb Scene Investigation explores the investigative process that improvised explosive device (IED) specialists undertake at the scene of an explosion. Providing easy-to-understand, step-by-step procedures for managing and processing a bomb scene, it enables investigators to find the evidence and then make sense of what is found. The book is not only a roadmap of knowledge on how to find and collect evidence, but also an instructional guide on how to safely and effectively assess the scene. New in this Edition: Information on detonation pressure and its effects on the body Instructions on how to collect additional information from the scene in order to provide an estimate of the explosives weight of the IED A glossary for a more in-depth understanding of the terms associated with explosives and the investigation processes A greatly expanded IED component identification chapter A chapter on how to expeditiously investigate a post-blast scene in a hostile environment Information on how to prepare an Investigative Report




Practical Crime Scene Processing and Investigation


Book Description

All too often, the weakest link in the chain of criminal justice is the crime scene investigation. Improper collection of evidence blocks the finding of truth. Now in its second edition, Practical Crime Scene Processing and Investigation presents practical, proven methods to be used at any crime scene to ensure that evidence is admissible and persuasive. Accompanied by more than 300 color photographs, topics discussed include: Understanding the nature of physical evidence, including fingerprint, biological, trace, hair and fiber, and other forms of evidence Actions of the responding officer, from documenting and securing the initial information to providing emergency care Assessing the scene, including search considerations and dealing with chemical and bioterror hazards Crime scene photography, sketching, mapping, and notes and reports Light technology and preserving fingerprint and impression evidence Shooting scene documentation and reconstruction Bloodstain pattern analysis and the body as a crime scene Special scene considerations, including fire, buried bodies, and entomological evidence The role of crime scene analysis and reconstruction, with step-by-step procedures Two appendices provide additional information on crime scene equipment and risk management, and each chapter is enhanced by a succinct summary, suggested readings, and a series of questions to test assimilation of the material. Using this book in your investigations will help you find out what happened and who is responsible.




Fires... Accidental Or Arson?


Book Description

Author Richard J. Keyworth's account of 14 of the innumerable fires he investigated will intrigue, inform and educate fellow firefighters and law enforcement professionals. Because fire is mystical at times and practical at others, this book will entrance the general public as well.




Scientific Protocols for Fire Investigation, Third Edition


Book Description

Scientific Protocols for Fire Investigation, Third Edition focuses on the practical application of fundamental scientific principles to determine the causes of fires. Originally published in 2006, the First Edition was very well received by fire investigators and those who work with them. Since fire investigation is a rapidly evolving field—driven by new discoveries about fire behavior—the Second Edition was published in late 2012. This latest, fully updated Third Edition reflects the most recent developments in the field. Currently, serious research is underway to try to understand the role of ventilation in structure fires. Likewise, there is improved understanding of the kinds of errors investigators can make that lead to incorrect determinations of the causes of fires. In addition to the scientific aspects, the litigation of fire related events is rapidly changing, particularly with respect to an investigator's qualifications to serve as an expert witness. This book covers these latest developments and ties together the changing standards for fire investigations with the fundamental scientific knowledge presented in the early chapters of the book. The book is intended for those individuals who have recently entered the field of fire investigation, and those who are studying fire investigation with a plan to become certified professionals. In addition, professionals in the insurance industry who hire fire investigators will find this an invaluable resource. Insurance companies have sustained significant losses by hiring individuals who are not qualified, resulting in cases being settled or lost at a cost of millions. Insurance adjusters and investigators will learn to recognize quality fire investigations and those that are not up to today's standards. Lastly, this book is also for the many attorneys who litigate fire cases. Written with language and terms that make the science accessible even to the non-scientist, this new edition will be a welcome resource to any professional involved in fire and arson cases.




Practical Investigation of Sex Crimes


Book Description

Because of the sensitive nature of sex crimes, police officials must develop a specialized set of interviewing skills to effectively investigate them. Written by former Commanding Officer of the Manhattan Special Victims Squad Thomas P. Carney, Practical Investigation of Sex Crimes: A Strategic and Operational Approach provides a day-to-day guide f




Practical Criminal Investigations in Correctional Facilities


Book Description

AN INSIDE LOOK INTO INVESTIGATING THE MOST VIOLENT SUB-CULTURE IN THE WORLD Once an offender is behind bars, many people believe that he is no longer a threat to society. However, the felonious activities of confined inmates reach out into society every day. These inmates run lucrative drug operations, commit fraud, hire contract murders, an