Introduction to Evidence

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Introduction to Evidence

Credit Hours: 4
Approximate reading time: 2.5 Hours
Approximate online time: 1.5 Hours

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Disclaimer- NFPA and other resource editions cited within the CFITrainer.Net site were current as of the release of the respective modules. The field of fire investigation and its guiding documents are constantly evolving and it is incumbent upon the fire investigator to remain up to date with the guidance in the current editions of the documents referenced in all modules on CFITrainer.Net, regardless of which edition was used in the writing of the module.

Program Abstract

This program is the first in a series that will look at evidence from the perspective of the fire investigator. The program introduces the fire investigator to the concept of evidence, the legal aspects involved in the collection and presentation of evidence in a legal proceeding, and how the investigator should prepare to present the evidence collected in court.

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Accidental Causes

Accreditation & Certification

Alternative Energy

Building Construction & Systems

Canine Teams

Case Studies

Commercial Fires

Documentation

Electricity and Electrical Systems

Ethics

Evidence

Explosions

Fatalities

Fire Science & Fire Flow Analysis

For Fire Officers

For Non-Investigators

Insurance

Interviewing

Legal Issues

Marine Fires

Methodology

Motor Vehicle Fires

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Professional Development & Qualifications

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Youth-Set Fires

IAAI Credential

IAAI-FIT® Track A

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Training Course Pre-Requisites

ATF ARSON-CS-0002 Advanced Origin and Cause/Courtroom Techniques

IAAI Fundamentals of Fire Investigation

IAAI Electrical Aspects of Fire Investigation

IAAI Expert Report Writing

IAAI Expert Witness Courtroom Testimony

IAAI Forensic Photography — Basic

IAAI Forensic Photography — Advanced

IAAI Investigating Youth-Set Fires

IAAI Marine Fire Investigation

IAAI Motor Vehicle Fire Investigation (2 Day and 3 Day)

National Fire Academy Fire Investigation: Essentials R0772

National Fire Academy Fire Investigation: Forensic Interviewing and Evidence R0780 and P0780

National Fire Academy Fire Investigation: Electrical Systems R0776

National Fire Academy Fire Investigation: Case Preparation and Testimony R0790

CFITrainer.Net Multi-Program Certificate

Fire Investigation for Fire Officers

Fire Investigation for the Insurance Industry

Fire Investigation Safety

Principles of Fire Investigation

NFPA 1033 (2022 Ed.) JPR

4.1 General

4.1.1 Meet JPRs in 4.2 Through 4.7

4.1.2 Employ Scientific Method

4.1.3 Complete Site Safety Assessment & Follow Standards

4.1.4 Maintain Liaison With Other Interested Professionals and Entities

4.1.5 Adhere to all Applicable Legal and Regulatory Requirements

4.1.6 Understand the Organization and Operation of the Investigative Team Within an IMS

4.1.7.1 to 4.1.7.3 Remaining Current & Continuing Education

4.2 Scene Examination

4.2.1 Secure the Fire Ground

4.2.2 Conduct Exterior Survey

4.2.3 Conduct Interior Survey

4.2.4 Interpret Fire Patterns Individually

4.2.5 Interpret and Analyze Fire Patterns Collectively

4.2.6 Examine and Remove Fire Debris

4.2.7 Reconstruct Potential Area(s) of Origin

4.2.8 Inspect and Analyze the Performance of Building Systems

4.2.9 Discriminate the Effects of Explosions

4.3 Documenting the Scene

4.3.1 Diagram the Scene

4.3.2 Photographically Document the Scene

4.3.3 Construct Investigative Notes

4.4 Evidence Collection/Preservation

4.4.1 Utilize Proper Procedures for Managing Victims and Fatalities

4.4.2 Locate, Document, Collect, Label, Package, and Store Evidence

4.4.3 Select Evidence for Analysis

4.4.4 Maintain a Chain of Custody

4.4.5 Dispose of Evidence

4.5 Interview

4.5.1 Develop an Interview Plan

4.5.2 Conduct Interviews

4.5.3 Evaluate Interview Information, Analyze, Correlated, and Corroborate

4.6 Post-Fire Investigation

4.6.1 Gather Reports and Records, Maintain Admissibility in Court

4.6.2 Evaluate the Investigative File

4.6.3 Coordinate Expert Resources

4.6.4 Establish Evidence as to Motive and/or Opportunity, Given an Incendiary Fire

4.6.5 Formulate an Opinion Concerning Origin, Cause, or Responsibility for a Fire

4.7 Presentations

4.7.1 Prepare a Written Report

4.7.2 Express Investigative Findings Verbally

4.7.3 Testify During Legal Proceedings

NFPA 1033 (2022 Ed.) 4.1.7 Topic

4.1.7 (1) Fire Science

4.1.7 (1)(a) Fire Chemistry

4.1.7 (1)(b) Thermodynamics

4.1.7 (1)(c) Fire Dynamics

4.1.7 (1)(d) Explosion Dynamics

4.1.7 (2) Fire Investigation

4.1.7 (2)(a) Fire Analysis

4.1.7 (2)(b) Fire Investigation Methodology

4.1.7 (2)(c) Fire Investigation Technology

4.1.7 (2)(d) Evidence Documentation, Collection, and Preservation

4.1.7 (2)(e) Failure Analysis and Analytical Tools

4.1.7 (3) Fire Scene Safety

4.1.7 (3)(a) Hazard Recognition, Evaluation, and Basic Mitigation Procedures

4.1.7 (3)(b) Hazardous Materials

4.1.7 (3)(c) Safety Regulations

4.1.7 (4) Building Systems

4.1.7 (4)(a) Types of Construction

4.1.7 (4)(b) Fire Protection Systems

4.1.7 (4)(c) Electricity and Electrical Systems

4.1.7 (4)(d) Fuel Gas Systems

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Español/Spanish

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The Deposition Part 2: Questioning Tactics and Effective Responses

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Digital Photography and the Fire Investigator

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Discovery in Civil Cases

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Discovery in Criminal Cases

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DNA

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Documenting the Event

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Donning and Doffing Personal Protective Equipment

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Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Design Basics

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Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Fires

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Fatal Fires: Fire Effects on the Body

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Fire Chemistry

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Fire Effects Part 1: Heat Effects on Fuels

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CFITrainer.Net is the online resource for training fire investigators at all levels. The broad-based training modules assist fire investigators in meeting the topical areas contained in NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigators. In addition to individual program training, CFITrainer.Net offers multi program training certification, fire investigation podcasts, the Fire Scene Evidence Guide, and the latest fire investigation news. Register online to get started.