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FIRE 0182 - Fire Investigation 1B, Evidence and Documentation

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/fire-0182/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Formerly known as FIRE 155 Prerequisite: Completion of FIRE 181 with grade of "C" or better Hours: 33.5 lecture Description: Designed for fire investigators and law enforcement officers responsible for conducting fire investigations. This course provides information on scene documentation and evidence collection/preservation. Topics include photographing the scene, diagramming the scene, constructing investigative notes, processing evidence and establishing chain of custody, processing victims and fatalities, selecting evidence for analysis, maintaining a chain of custody, preparing a fire investigation report, and disposing of evidence. (not transferable) Units 1.5 Lecture-Discussion 33.5 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 33.5 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Explain how to photograph and diagram a fire scene. Explain how to process evidence and establish a chain of custody. Outline how to prepare a written report that accurately reflects the investigative findings. Defend the process of evidence disposal. Course Content Outline I. Orientation and Administration A. Fire Investigator Certification Process II. Scene Documentation A. Photographing the Scene B. Diagramming the Scene C. Constructing Investigative Notes III. Evidence Collection/Preservation A. Processing Evidence and Establishing Chain of Custody B. Processing Victims and Fatalities C. Selecting Evidence for Analysis D. Maintaining a Chain of Custody E. Preparing a Fire Investigation Report F. Disposing of Evidence Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. Identify the courses and requirements for Fire Investigator certification. 2. Explain how to photograph the scene to accurately document and support scene findings. 3. Diagram the scene and identify evidence, pertinent contents, significant patterns, and area(s) or point(s) of origin. 4. Construct investigative notes that provide accurate documentation of the scene and represent complete scene findings. 5. Explain how to locate, document, collect, label, package, and store evidence to properly identify and preserve for use in testing, legal, or other proceedings and examinations, establish the chain of custody, and avoid cross-contamination and investigator-inflicted damage to evidentiary items. 6. Describe how to process victims and fatalities to discover and preserve all evidence while utilizing proper procedures and following protocol. 7. Outline how to select evidence for analysis so the items support specific investigation needs. 8. Explain how to maintain a chain of custody with written documentation for each piece of evidence. 9. Prepare a written report that accurately reflects the investigative findings, is concise, expresses the investigator’s opinion, contains facts and data that the investigator relies on in rendering an opinion. 10. Describe how to dispose of evidence safely in compliance with jurisdictional or agency requirements. Methods of Evaluation Objective Examinations Reports Skill Demonstrations Reading Assignments 1. Students will read chapter in textbook on diagramming the fire scene and be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Students will read chapter in textbook on photographing a fire scene and complete review questions in back of chapter. As a group, the class will discuss each question and answers. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Based on an instructor provided scenario including photographs, students are to diagram the fire scene. 2. Following an instructor provided fire scenario, students will prepare a fire investigation report for a criminal case. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.