Practical Fire and Arson Investigation, Second Edition

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Practical Fire and Arson Investigation, Second Edition

This re-written Second Edition contains more than 40% new material. This book 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.

By David R. Redsicker,

John J. O'Connor,

ISBN: 9780849381553

Retail price: ~~$104.95~~ $78.95

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Over 175 pages of new information

More than 50 new photographs and tables

Presents updated reference material, facts, and photographs

Provides an extensive section on how to pack materials properly for analysis by law enforcement agencies

Contains the latest information and research on identifying and analyzing bloodstain evidence found at fire scenes

Provides extensive detail on eliminating accidental causes of fires

Defines all relevant terminology in a glossary format within the introductory chapters

Addresses the National Fire Protection Association Standards 921 and 1033, the recognized standards in the industry

Discusses important legal aspects of subrogation in negligence and product liability cases - Who is responsible?

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Arson: The American Experience
Fire Service
Police Service
Public Awareness
Fire Investigation Methodology
Model Arson Task Force
Role of the Fire Investigator
Six Basic Steps for Fire Investigation
References and Selected Readings
Arson Motives and Pathology
Arson for Profit
Commercial Fire Checklist
Revenge and Prejudice
Vanity
Juvenile Fire Setters and Vandalism
Crime Concealment
Psychological Compulsion
Mass Civil Disturbance (Riot)
Terrorism
References and Selected Readings
Building Construction: Fire Problems and Precautions
Classification of Building Construction
Building Components
Structural Loads
High-Rise Construction
Structural Fire Precautions
Fire Extension and Accepted Architectural Designs
Design Problems
Construction and Material Problems
Fire Detection, Alarm, and Suppression Systems
Neutralizing Fire Protection Systems
Glossary of Building Terms
References and Selected Readings
Chemistry and Behavior of Fire
Components of Fire
Heat
Oxygen and Oxidation
Fuel and Its Physical State
Chemical Chain Reaction
Other Terms Relating to the Chemistry of Fire
Behavior of Fire
Classification of Fire
Phases of Fire
Rate of Burn
Structural Fire Spread
Direction and Rate of Spread
Burn Patterns
Rapid Movement - Slow Movement
Smoke and Flame Color
Fire Suppression
References and Selected Readings
Determining Origin and Cause
Physical Examination of the Fire Scene
Exterior Examination
Interior Examination
Room and Points of Origin
Fire Language
Summary
References and Selected Readings
Eliminating Accidental Causes
Electrical Fires
Lightning
Gas and Flammable Vapors
Building Heating Equipment
Auxiliary Home Heating Equipment
Cooking-Related Fires
Children and Pets
Improper Storage of Combustibles/Flammables
Spontaneous Combustion/Ignition
Smoking
Clandestine Laboratories
Construction, Renovation, and Demolition
Direct Sunlight
Product Liability and Subrogation
References and Suggested Readings
Investigating Fatal Fires
Six-Phase Investigative Approach
Fire Incident
Examination of the Body
Origin and Cause/Investigative Canvass
Determining Investigative Procedure
Cause of Death and Investigative Procedure
Follow-Up Investigation
Arrest and Trial
Special Evidence at Fire Scenes
References and Selected Readings
Investigating Vehicular Fires
Policies
Notification and Response
Vehicle Collisions and Relation to Fires
Vehicle Identification and Owner Information
Salvage Examination
Elimination of Accidental Causes
Multiple Points of Origin
Heat Indicators
Other Factors
References and Selected Readings
Incendiary Fire Evidence
Time-Delayed Ignition Devices
Accelerants and Related Burn Patterns
Legal Aspects of Evidence Collection
Evidence Collection
Identification of Evidence
Laboratory Analysis and Testing
Evidence Storage
Shipment/Transferal of Evidence
Presenting Evidence in Court
Disposal of Evidence
Conclusion
References and Selected Readings
Appendix
Documenting the Fire/Crime Scene
Crime Scene
Documentation Sequence
Photography
Videography
Sketches
References and Selected Readings
Surveillance
Planning the Surveillance Operation
Reconnaissance
Surveillance Methods
Applying Surveillance to Arson Investigation
Summary
References and Selected Readings
Interviewing and Interrogation
Investigative Canvass
Evaluating the Subject
Timeliness
Physiological Factors
Unique Interview Situations
Initial Interview Procedure: An Example
Interviewing and Interrogation Strategies
Common Interviewing Errors
Summary of Guidelines
Lying Witness
Constitutional Rights of Individuals
References and Selected Readings
Court Qualification and Testimony
Pretrial Testimony
Trial Preparation
Witness Stand Behavioral Guidelines
Cross Examination
Defense Expert
Standard for Professional Qualifications of Fire Investigator
References and Selected Readings
Legal Aspects
Introduction
Definitions
Problems of Proof in Arson Prosecution
Other Legal Considerations
Exigent Circumstances
Criminal Search Warrant
Federal Rules of Evidence
Prosecution for Insurance Fraud
Summary
References and Selected Readings
Index

Publication Date: 10/10/1996
Number of Pages: 432