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FIRE 0183 - Fire Investigation 1C, Preparation for Legal Proceedings

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/fire-0183/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Prerequisite: Completion of FIRE 181, 182 and ADMJ 110 with grades of "C" or better Hours: 40 lecture Description: Designed for fire investigators and law enforcement officers responsible for conducting fire investigations. This course provides information on legal considerations for a court proceeding. Topics include coordinating expert resources, formulating an opinion, presenting investigative findings, and testifying during legal proceedings. (not transferable) Units 2 Lecture-Discussion 40 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 40 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Explain how to gather reports and records for a legal proceeding. Describe how to evaluate an investigative file. Explain how to form an opinion using data, facts, records, reports and evidence. Discuss how to present investigative findings for the intended audience. Explain how to testify during legal proceedings. Course Content Outline I. Introduction A. Orientation and Administration B. Fire Investigator Certification Process II. Legal Considerations A. Gathering Reports and Records for a Legal Proceeding 1. types of reports 2. location of these reports and records 3. reports and records necessary for the investigation 4. chain of custody B. Evaluating the Investigative File 1. case file assessment and/or evaluation process 2. Informational assessment skills, correlation skills, organizational skills C. Coordinating Expert Resources 1. assess one’s own expertise 2. qualifications of an expert witness 3. types of expert resources 4. need for expert resources 5. utilization plan for using expert resources D. Formulating an Opinion 1. scientific method to formulate your opinion 2. level of certainty 3. California statutes, regulations, and local ordinances relating to fire losses E. Presenting Investigative Findings 1. types of investigative findings 2. informational needs of various audiences 3. impact of releasing information 4. communication skills 5. audience needs 6. correlate findings F. Testifying During Legal Proceedings 1. courtroom etiquette, professional demeanor, and attire 2. due process and legal proceedings 3. differentiate facts from opinion 4. acceptable procedures, practices, and etiquette during legal proceedings Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. Describe the types of reports and records needed to facilitate determining responsibility for the fire. 2. Describe the case file assessment and/or evaluation process. 3. Describe how to assess one’s own expertise. 4. Identify the qualifications of an expert witness. 5. Identify the types of expert resources. 6. Develop a utilization plan for using expert resources 7. Explain how to formulate an opinion concerning origin, cause, and responsibility for the fire supported by data, facts, records, reports, documents, and evidence. 8. Describe how to present investigative findings that are accurate and include only need-to-know information for the intended audience. 9. Discuss the types of investigative findings within the case file. 10. Discuss courtroom etiquette, professional demeanor, and attire. 11. Discuss due process and legal proceedings. 12. Differentiate facts from opinion. 13. Describe acceptable procedures, practices, and etiquette during legal proceedings. Methods of Evaluation Objective Examinations Reports Skill Demonstrations Reading Assignments 1. Students will read chapter in textbook on expert witnesses and be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Student will read chapter in textbook on investigative findings followed by a discussion on "need to know" vs. "right to know". Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Students will write a report on chain of custody. 2. In a report, students will compare and contrast one's own expertise to an expert witness. 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.