Catalog Description

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)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Explain how to gather reports and records for a legal proceeding.
  • CSLO #2: Describe how to evaluate an investigative file.
  • CSLO #3: Explain how to form an opinion using data, facts, records, reports and evidence.
  • CSLO #4: Discuss how to present investigative findings for the intended audience.
  • CSLO #5: Explain how to testify during legal proceedings.

Effective Term

Fall 2019

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

40

Outside of Class Hours

80

Total Student Learning Hours

120

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.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • Not Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: Students will take a multiple-choice examination on witnesses. Example question: What type of witness is the person who discovered the fire? A. Expert Witness, B. Direct Witness, Lay witness, D. None of the above.
          • Reports
            • Example: In a report, students will outline California statutes, regulations, and local ordinances relating to fire losses. Rubric Grading.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: In an activity and instructor provided scenario, students will demonstrate how to effectively interview a witness. Rubric Grading.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Lecture/Discussion

          Lecture:

          1. The instructor will lecture on the types of reports and records needed to facilitate determining responsibility for the fire. Students will then outline the various types of reports and/or records and define what each one is used for.
          2. The instructor will lecture on courtroom etiquette, professional demeanor, and attire. Students will then work in groups and create a list of appropriate and non-appropriate items to be presented to the class.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          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.)

          Required Materials

          • Fire Investigator, Principles and Practice
            • Author: International Assoc. of Fire Chiefs, Internationl Assoc. of Arson Investigators, & NFPA
            • Publisher: Jones and Bartlett Learning
            • Publication Date: 2016
            • Text Edition: 4th
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.