Arson forensic

Importance

Importance of Arson, Explosive scientist is to figure out whether a crime has been committed. They are also important because they can determine causation and origin of fire or explosions. This helps in figuring out who and what caused the fire.

Education/Certification

Some universities and two-year colleges offer one- or two-year certificate programs in fire or arson investigation. Coursework includes fire analysis and investigation, fact-finding, fire dynamics, and fire-related human behavior.

Criminal justice Degree

Fire Science Degree

This four-year degree provides a solid grounding for working in the criminal justice system. Curriculum includes courses in sociology, criminology, criminal law, corrections, and victimology

This program trains participants to become a firefighter, but instruction is also applicable to arson investigation. Coursework covers fire command and administration, fire investigation and inspection, fire hydraulics, fire safety, and hazardous materials

Duties

Education

Arson investigators gather evidence and conduct interviews concerning fires. Since they usually arrive after the fire has been extinguished, they need to ask detailed questions of witnesses and firefighters in order to gather a picture of how the fire behaved and whether anyone noticed anything unusual. They are often called to provide testimony under oath concerning their methods for gathering evidence; therefore, they must keep detailed notes on their investigations and file formal reports.

Certificate or associate's degree programs are available to prepare those without law enforcement or medical services background for a career in arson or fire investigation. Those seeking a four-year degree in criminal justice or a related area still need to obtain specific arson investigation training.

Forensic science, Arson/Explosion Crime

Training through other Organizations

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) offers several training programs in arson and explosives investigation. The National Fire Academy, run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, offers a variety of courses on arson, fire prevention, and related subjects.

By, David Wright

Schools with Fire-science Degrees

Delta College

Kalamazoo Valley Community college

Lake Superior State University

Lansing Community College

Bibliography

https://www.siue.edu/artsandsciences/forensicsciences/careers.shtml

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/

http://study.com/articles/Arson_Investigator_Job_Description_Duties_and_Requirements.html

http://www.forensicmag.com/article/2012/08/arson-crime-scene-processing-basics

Salary

Mean Annual Wage (2015) $59,800 for fire inspectors and investigators.

Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of fire inspectors and investigators is expected to grow by five percent between 2014 and 2024.