| Description |
: CSU’s Certification in Arson Investigation program is an in-depth analysis of the skills necessary to investigate fires for the purpose of identifying origin and cause (where the fire started and what caused the fire) and properly conducting and documenting a fire investigation. This program is organized in two tiers, background and practical. In NFPA 921, Investigating Fire and Explosions, the investigator will learn the basics of fire science, fire patterns, origin determination and cause. NFPA 921 offers a step by step process of this first phase of the fire investigation, determining origin and cause. If the fire is determined to be incendiary in nature, the investigator will go on to a second phase or tier of the fire investigation. The second tier will be a step-by-step instruction by the experts in how to conduct an arson investigation. The Certificate in Arson Investigation designation will
be awarded upon the successful completion of the unit exams as well as the comprehensive essay and objective final exam.
The course will track NFPA 921 with scattered assignments in Kirk’s Fire Investigation. Kirk’s is used to expand and reinforce concepts discussed in NFPA 921. The study guide contains articles and comments regarding the chapter topics. The study guide articles expand on subjects in both 921 and Kirk’s giving insight from the author of the course as well as experts in the field. This course is planned to provide a good background in the academic study of fire investigations. Make no mistake; this is no substitute for practical experience. The author suggests that the investigator taking this certification course participate in fire investigations either by joining a volunteer fire department or accompanying fellow officers or firemen while they conduct their fire investigation. |
