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Upper Level
Credits: 4
Term(s) Offered (Subject to Change) : Mar.
Study the technical and management aspects of fire cause and origin investigation. Includes conducting your own fire scene investigation utilizing the InterFire CD-DROM virtual reality program. This investigation will include interviews, scene observation to determine fire cause and origin, scene documentation, evidence collection, and trial preparation.
The affects of fire propagation and development, incendiary fire susceptibility, motivation and arson awareness, and detection on arson investigation and prosecution are presented. Review of NFPA 921; Guide for Fire and Explosion Investions. Study the management aspects of criminal fire investigation from the fire scene through trial preparation and presentation. Research recent case law and Supreme Court decisions relating to arson prosecution. Includes study of psychological, sociological and criminal factors and motives for arson, and identifies profiles of arsonists, pyromaniacs, and fire-setters. The role of insurance, legislative initiative, data analysis, and fire prevention and protection techniques are also covered.
The course will feature several class discussion questions that will be an interactive learning process involving all the students enrolled in the course.
Computer requirements would include the SLN requirements and also the requirements for InterFire (IBM PC or compatible computer; Pentium 200; 32 MB RAM; Windows 95/98/NT; minimum 200MB free hard drive space for installation; 8X CD-ROM drive; 16 bit sound card; SVGA display, 640x480).
