arson Flashcards

Question

Detail the Police responsibilities at a fire scene examination and investigation.

Answer 1

− conduct the criminal investigation or coronial enquiry − undertake responsibility for the protection, collection and recording of forensic evidence − the collection and removal of material from a fire crime scene will only be done by Police or other agencies with the authority to remove evidence − the preservation, analysis and subsequent disposition of any such material is the responsibility of Police or other agency.

Answer 2

(a) enter any land, building, or structure: (b) break into any building or structure that may be on fire or otherwise endangered or that is near the emergency: (c) take or send any equipment or machine required to be used into, through, or upon any land, building, or structure: (d) remove from any land, building, or structure that is on fire or otherwise endangered, or that is near the emergency, any flammable, combustible, explosive, or dangerous material found in the building or structure: (e) cause any building or structure that is on fire or otherwise endangered, or that is adjacent to or in the vicinity of any building or structure that is on fire or otherwise endangered, to be pulled down or shored up (either in whole or in part): (f) cause any building or structure to be pulled down or shored up (either in whole or in part) at the time of the emergency or within a reasonable time afterwards

Answer 3

Intentionally or recklessly Damages by fire or damages by means of explosive any property if he or she knows or ought to known that danger to life is likely to ensue. INTENTIONALLY DEF: deliberate act, specific outcome. CASELAW: R V COLLISTER Intent inferred by circumstance RECKLESSLY DEF: Consciously and deliberately ran a risk which was unreasonable in those circumstances. CASELAW: CAMERON V R reckless is established if they recognise that there was a real possilbility that... Their actions would bring about a prescribed result... and having regard to that risk those actions were unreasonable. R V TIPPLE had consicous apprecaition of the risk and made a delierate decision to run that risk, DAMAGES BY FIRE DEF: Burning, charring, melting, blistering of paint or significant smoke damage may be sufficient. CASELAW: R V ARCHER Property may be damaged if it suffers permanent or temporay physical harm or permanent or temporay impairment of its value of use. DAMAGES BY MEANS OF EXPLOSIVE DEF: any substance or mixture or combination of substances which in its normal state is capable either of decomposition at such rapid rate as to result in an explosion or of producing a pyrotechnic effect CASELAW: R V ARCHER Property may be damaged if it suffers permanent or temporay physical harm or permanent or temporay impairment of its value of use. ANY PROPERTY: real and personal property, any estate or interest in any real or personal property, money, electricity, any debt, any thing in action, and any other right or interest IF THEY KNOW OR OUGHT TO KNOWN THAT DANGER TO LIFE IS LIKELY TO ENSUE DANGER TO LIFE DEF: Human life, other than the defendants. KNOWLEDGE: DEF: knowing or correctly believing”. They may believe something wrongly, but cannot ‘know’ something that is false”.

Answer 4

Intentionally or recklessly WOCOR Damages by fire or damages by means of explosive any Immoveable property or vehicle or ship or aircraft. In which that person has no interest INTENTIONALLY DEF: deliberate act, specific outcome. CASELAW: R V COLLISTER Intent inferred by circumstance RECKLESSLY DEF: Consciously and deliberately ran a risk which was unreasonable in those circumstances. CASELAW: CAMERON V R reckless is established if they recognise that there was a real possilbility that... Their actions would bring about a prescribed result... and having regard to that risk those actions were unreasonable. R V TIPPLE had consicous apprecaition of the risk and made a delierate decision to run that risk, CLAIM OF RIGHT DEF: belief at the time of the act in proprietary or possessory right to property though that beleif may be based on ignorance or mistake or on any matter of law. DAMAGES BY FIRE DEF: Burning, charring, melting, blistering of paint or significant smoke damage may be sufficient. CASELAW: R V ARCHER Property may be damaged if it suffers permanent or temporay physical harm or permanent or temporay impairment of its value of use. DAMAGES BY MEANS OF EXPLOSIVE DEF: any substance or mixture or combination of substances which in its normal state is capable either of decomposition at such rapid rate as to result in an explosion or of producing a pyrotechnic effect CASELAW: R V ARCHER Property may be damaged if it suffers permanent or temporay physical harm or permanent or temporay impairment of its value of use. ANY IMMOVEABLE PROPERTY: PROPERTY DEF: Property will be considered immoveable if it is currently fixed in place and unable to be moved (even if it is possible to make it moveable) VEHICLE DEF: A contrivience equipped with track, wheels, or revolving runners on which it moves or is moved. SHIP DEF: any vessel used for naviagation however propelled. AIRCRAFT DEF: any machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air. NO INTEREST CASELAW: R V WILSON Tenancy of a property constitutes as interest.

Answer 5

Intentionally or recklessly Damages by fire or damages by means of explosive any Immoveable property or vehicle or ship or aircraft. with intent to obtain any benifit or cause loss to any person INTENTIONALLY DEF: deliberate act, specific outcome. CASELAW: R V COLLISTER Intent inferred by circumstance RECKLESSLY DEF: Consciously and deliberately ran a risk which was unreasonable in those circumstances. CASELAW: CAMERON V R reckless is established if they recognise that there was a real possilbility that... Their actions would bring about a prescribed result... and having regard to that risk those actions were unreasonable. R V TIPPLE had consicous apprecaition of the risk and made a delierate decision to run that risk, DAMAGES BY FIRE DEF: Burning, charring, melting, blistering of paint or significant smoke damage may be sufficient. CASELAW: R V ARCHER Property may be damaged if it suffers permanent or temporay physical harm or permanent or temporay impairment of its value of use. DAMAGES BY MEANS OF EXPLOSIVE DEF: any substance or mixture or combination of substances which in its normal state is capable either of decomposition at such rapid rate as to result in an explosion or of producing a pyrotechnic effect CASELAW: R V ARCHER Property may be damaged if it suffers permanent or temporay physical harm or permanent or temporay impairment of its value of use. ANY IMMOVEABLE PROPERTY: PROPERTY DEF: Property will be considered immoveable if it is currently fixed in place and unable to be moved (even if it is possible to make it moveable) CASELAW: R V WILSON Tenancy of a property constitutes as interest. VEHICLE DEF: A contrivience equipped with track, wheels, or revolving runners on which it moves or is moved. SHIP DEF: any vessel used for naviagation however propelled. AIRCRAFT DEF: any machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air. WITH INTENT TO OBTAIN ANY BENIFIT OR CAUSE LOSS TO ANY OTHER PERSON OBTAIN DEF: to obtain or retain from oneself or for another person. BENIFIT: DEF: Any Benifit, pecuniary advantage, privilege, property, service, valuable consideration. LOSS DEF: financial detriment to the vicim CASELAW: R V MORLEY Loss … is assessed by the extent to which the complainant’s position prior to the [offence] has been diminished or impaired.” PERSON DEF: includes real people/ companies/ organisations.

Answer 6

ATTEMPTS TO COMMIT ARSON IN RESPECT OF ANY IMMOVEABLE PROPERTY OR VEHICLE OR SHIP OR AIRCRAFT ATTEMPTS DEF: everyone who has an intent to commit an offence does or omits an act for the purpose of accomplishing his object is guilty of an attempt whether or not in the circumstances it was possible to commit that offence CASELAW R V HARUR : The Court may have regard to the conduct viewed cumulatively and [may] be considered in its entirety. Considering how much remains to be done … is always relevant, though not determinative.” TO COMMIT ARSON INTENTIONALLY DEF: deliberate act, specific outcome. CASELAW: R V COLLISTER Intent inferred by circumstance RECKLESSLY DEF: Consciously and deliberately ran a risk which was unreasonable in those circumstances. CASELAW: CAMERON V R reckless is established if they recognise that there was a real possilbility that... Their actions would bring about a prescribed result... and having regard to that risk those actions were unreasonable. R V TIPPLE had consicous apprecaition of the risk and made a delierate decision to run that risk, DAMAGES BY FIRE DEF: Burning, charring, melting, blistering of paint or significant smoke damage may be sufficient. CASELAW: R V ARCHER Property may be damaged if it suffers permanent or temporay physical harm or permanent or temporay impairment of its value of use. DAMAGES BY MEANS OF EXPLOSIVE DEF: any substance or mixture or combination of substances which in its normal state is capable either of decomposition at such rapid rate as to result in an explosion or of producing a pyrotechnic effect CASELAW: R V ARCHER Property may be damaged if it suffers permanent or temporay physical harm or permanent or temporay impairment of its value of use. ANY IMMOVEABLE PROPERTY: PROPERTY DEF: Property will be considered immoveable if it is currently fixed in place and unable to be moved (even if it is possible to make it moveable) VEHICLE DEF: A contrivience equipped with track, wheels, or revolving runners on which it moves or is moved. SHIP DEF: any vessel used for naviagation however propelled. AIRCRAFT DEF: any machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air.

Answer 7

(10 yrs) INTENTIALLY OR RECKLESSLY DESTROYS OR DAMAGES ANY PROPERTY THEY KNOW OR OUGHT TO KNOW DANGER TO LIFE IS LIKELY TO RESULT INTENTIONALLY DEF: deliberate act, specific outcome. CASELAW: R V COLLISTER Intent inferred by circumstance RECKLESSLY DEF: Consciously and deliberately ran a risk which was unreasonable in those circumstances. CASELAW: CAMERON V R reckless is established if they recognise that there was a real possilbility that... Their actions would bring about a prescribed result... and having regard to that risk those actions were unreasonable. R V TIPPLE had consicous apprecaition of the risk and made a delierate decision to run that risk, DESTROYS OR DAMAGES DEF: by any means whatsoever other than fire. CASELAW: R V ARCHER Property may be damaged if it suffers permanent or temporay physical harm or permanent or temporay impairment of its value of use. ANY PROPERTY: real and personal property, any estate or interest in any real or personal property, money, electricity, any debt, any thing in action, and any other right or interest IF THEY KNOW OR OUGHT TO KNOWN THAT DANGER TO LIFE IS LIKELY TO ENSUE DANGER TO LIFE DEF: Human life, other than the defendants. KNOWLEDGE: DEF: knowing or correctly believing”. They may believe something wrongly, but cannot ‘know’ something that is false”.

Answer 8

(7 yrs) INTENTIALLY OR RECKLESSLY WOCOR DESTROYS OR DAMAGES ANY PROPERTY IN WHICH THEY HAVE NO INTEREST INTENTIONALLY DEF: deliberate act, specific outcome. CASELAW: R V COLLISTER Intent inferred by circumstance RECKLESSLY DEF: Consciously and deliberately ran a risk which was unreasonable in those circumstances. CASELAW: CAMERON V R reckless is established if they recognise that there was a real possilbility that... Their actions would bring about a prescribed result... and having regard to that risk those actions were unreasonable. R V TIPPLE had consicous apprecaition of the risk and made a delierate decision to run that risk CLAIM OF RIGHT DEF: belief at the time of the act in proprietary or possessory right to property though that beleif may be based on ignorance or mistake or on any matter of law. DESTROYS OR DAMAGES DEF: by any means whatsoever other than fire. CASELAW: R V ARCHER Property may be damaged if it suffers permanent or temporay physical harm or permanent or temporay impairment of its value of use. ANY PROPERTY: real and personal property, any estate or interest in any real or personal property, money, electricity, any debt, any thing in action, and any other right or interest IN WHICH THAT PERSON HAS NO INTEREST CASELAW R V WILSON: Tenancy of a property constitutes an interest.

Answer 9

(7 yrs) INTENTIALLY OR RECKLESSLY WOCOR DESTROYS OR DAMAGES ANY PROPERTY WITH INTENT TO OBTAIN ANY BENIFIT OR CAUSE LOSS TO ANY PERSON INTENTIONALLY DEF: deliberate act, specific outcome. CASELAW: R V COLLISTER Intent inferred by circumstance RECKLESSLY DEF: Consciously and deliberately ran a risk which was unreasonable in those circumstances. CASELAW: CAMERON V R reckless is established if they recognise that there was a real possilbility that... Their actions would bring about a prescribed result... and having regard to that risk those actions were unreasonable. R V TIPPLE had consicous apprecaition of the risk and made a delierate decision to run that risk DESTROYS OR DAMAGES DEF: by any means whatsoever other than fire. CASELAW: R V ARCHER Property may be damaged if it suffers permanent or temporay physical harm or permanent or temporay impairment of its value of use. ANY PROPERTY: real and personal property, any estate or interest in any real or personal property, money, electricity, any debt, any thing in action, and any other right or interest WITH INTENT TO OBTAIN ANY BENIFIT OR CAUSE LOSS TO ANY OTHER PERSON OBTAIN DEF: to obtain or retain from oneself or for another person. BENIFIT: DEF: Any Benifit, pecuniary advantage, privilege, property, service, valuable consideration. LOSS DEF: financial detriment to the vicim CASELAW: R V MORLEY Loss … is assessed by the extent to which the complainant’s position prior to the [offence] has been diminished or impaired.” PERSON DEF: includes real people/ companies/ organisations.

Answer 10

if it resulted in a death If it is a suspicious fire.

Answer 11

Fire investigation liasion officer

Answer 12

‑ attending every fire that results in serious injury or death ‑ co‐ordinating fire investigations in their designated area or district ‑ arranging Police attendance at fire scenes - maintain effective working relationships with the relevant Fire Service Investigation Liaison Officer (FSILO) and Fire Service Specialist Fire Investigators ‑ assisting areas or districts with fire investigation/ queries - ensure communication is maintained with the Police National Fire Investigation Co‑ordinator, Police District Intelligence Manager and District Manager Criminal Investigations, where appropriate ‑ co‐ordinating fire investigation training police

Answer 13

‑ fatal fires ‑ fires where serious (life threatening) fire‐related injury has occurred ‑ structure fires where the cause is suspicious or cannot be determined ‑ significant fire spread across a property boundary ‑ fires in buildings where built‐in fire safety features have failed, or not performed to known or expected standards ‑ structure fires of 3rd alarm equivalent (at least six appliance) or greater, that may have a significant regional or national consequence ‑ any other fire, upon request from Police or another agency

Answer 14

A minimum of two.

Answer 15

Fire Service Investigation Liaison Officers

Answer 16

‑ arranging Fire Service Specialist Fire Investigator attendance at fire scenes where requested by Police. -establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with relevant Police Fire Investigation Liaison Officers (FILOs), in the respective Police districts/areas

Answer 17

1. fire and emergency have control over an active fire. they will hand over scene once the fire is extinguished and there is no threat to life. 2. They will notify police if it is a suspicious/ unknown cause or if it was a fatal fire/ life threatening injury occured. 3. when police attend a fire scene, the designated police investigating officer will confer with the incident controller and seek authority to take over scene. 4. Fire and emergency will not normally handover a fire scene until the danger of fire/ structural collapse/ exposure to dangerous products of combustion/ other fire related hazards have been identified/ eliminated/isolated/minimised. 5. multi agency fire scenes require an investigation plan prior to any investigation. 6. investigation plan will include an outline of how the investigation will proceed and the role of each agency.

Answer 18

at police discretion.

Answer 19

Hand over of scene. access to scene. process for examination and investigation. ID and collection of evidence.

Answer 20

criminal investigation or coronial enquiry. protection, collection and recording of forensic evidence.

Answer 21

‑ Inhalation of toxic substances e.g. car fires emit particularly toxic and harmful gases ‑ Ingestion of particles etc.‑ Cuts/wounds from sharp objects ‑ Air borne dusts, particles etc. ‑ Tripping on fire debris‑ Falling down, over, onto or into any obstructions or cavities ‑ Items from above falling onto you or hitting objects and

Answer 22

assess each possible hazard. create a strategy for managing hazard.

Answer 23

Floor burns maybe evidence of the presence of accelerant although testing will be required. If possible look under the floor to see if it is suitable for walking on

Answer 24

Check underneath them to ensure they are safe to carry weight. Walk on the wall side of the stairs for both forensic (footprints) and safety reasons.

Answer 25

A fire that has been 'held' internally may result in an unstable roof, requiring it to be removed prior to investigation

Answer 26

‑ gloves ‑ heavy duty footwear with steel soles and toe caps ‑ Helmet (that complies with the relevant safety standard) ‑nose and mouth filter, a full‐face respirator or full BA (if required and qualified) ‑ Overalls ‑ safety glasses

Answer 27

concrete Masonary timber steel

Answer 28

will normally burn and char. if members are thick enough, maintain sufficient integrity. When entering a timber structure, take note of the thickness of structural members, the load it is carrying, and any sound emanating from structural members.

Answer 29

initial stages of a fire- unprotected steel will expand causing external and internal walls to be pushed out. if there is sufficient fuel available, the unprotected steel will lose strength and collapse, pulling walls inwardly. When heated steel is cooled it tends to contract and may:‑ fall off supports loosely remain intact but collapse during excavation or movement of items with little or no warning. Important: pay particular attention to the location and condition of steel beams and trusses etc.

Answer 30

it will be reduced to less than 10% of its original strength

Answer 31

concrete/ tilt slab construction, is the most unpredictable as it can be affected by extremely low fire temperatures, It will topple like a deck of cards, in all directions. When subjected to fire, concrete can break away at the surface (spalling), and steel reinforcing may be exposed to sufficient heat to lose its tensile strength. Look for- concrete spalling cracking discoloured areas of concrete such as blue or green exposed steel in concrete. check if tilt slab fixing reinforcing construction fixings are the fixing cleats exposed or grouted

Answer 32

is created when heat causes expansion of trapped moisture resulting in a steam explosion. Reinforcing steel at 1000 degrees retains only approximately 50% of its original strength therefore concrete can fail

Answer 33

can be weakened by: damage to supporting or connected structural members deterioration of the mortar expansion of the wall Visible signs of damage or weakness include bowing/ collapse/ leaning of supporting floors or roof frames. cracking.

Answer 34

The person in charge from fire and emergency Police must comply with their instructions during an active fire.

Answer 35

anything else that is reasonably necessary for the protection of life and property close roads private property when it is on fire or endangered, or when entry is essential to performing a necessary duty remove people who are in danger or interfering with operations, (using reasonable force if necessary) remove vehicles impeding the Fire Service. (If necessary, they can break into the vehicles for that purpose)

Answer 36

Police may use these powers if directed by person in charge of fire and emergency (police must be directed- you cannot use powers just because you are present at the fire)

Answer 37

Fire service

Answer 38

ensuring the scene is not interfered with exclusion and control of on‐lookers, property owners and other interested parties preserving evidence preventing looting.

Answer 39

be aware of re‐ignition from hotspots after the fire is extinguished be vigilant and watch for possible suspects identify any witnesses among onlookers and passers-bys. by report all matters of significance to the OC/ scene coordinator

Answer 40

liaise with fire incident commander re limitting operations within area of origin. consider the number of personnel inside the structure- are they all necessary? stop fire crews from moving/removing debris after the fire has been put out. SCOPE how much of the area needs to be preserved? ie, single room/whole house/ surrounding area + house. CORDON identify centre of scene. tape off outside what is considered to be the most obvious item of evidence that is furtherst away from the centre of the scene. large scenes- use the natural boundaries to dictate your zones. Make cordon as wide as practical. COMMON APPROACH PATH All traffic should be limited to the path that will keep disturbance of the scene to a minimum Ideally the investigator should identiy the path before any other foot traffic enters. WHEN IT IS DIFFICULT TO PRESERVE THE SCENE. sometimes demolition is required due to safety- try and record the scene prior to deomolition with: sketches photographs plans video recordings. STORAGE OF REMOVED SPOILS clear warm area of scene if practical and clearly mark what spoils are from where in your scene.

Answer 41

PERSONNEL -specialist fire investigator (at all fire scenes.) others to consider: accountant agrticultural expert building inspector civil aviation inspector ESR scientist explosives inspector fingerprint officer fire investigations liaison officer. forensic photographer forensic mapper forestry expert heating engineer insurance asssessor marine surveyor meteorologist. mines inspector pathologist rural fire investigator scene of crime officer vehicle inspector

Answer 42

crime scene coordinator exhibit officer scene examiner

Answer 43

starting from the outside (undamaged area) and working your way in to point of origin

Answer 44

it helps avoid cross contamination

Answer 45

a component failed a fire was maliciously lit, or an accidental fire originated.

Answer 46

Adjoining premises which often reveal accelerant containers attempts at forced entry broken windows forced doors Nearby alleyways/streets/driveways The yards and outbuildings of the fire effected property The periphery of the structure itself What distance debris was scattered, particularly if drums or cylinders have exploded. The surrounding area of the involved premises may reveal: accelerant containers business appears to be struggling. contents of outbuildings missing property run‑down The damaged structure itself may reveal: burn patterns above doors and windows and "V" shaped burn patterns on external cladding jemmy marks or other signs of forced entry on windows or doors window glass broken before the fire was ignited

Answer 47

should involve a slow walk through the premises, from the area of least damage to that of most damage, taking note of indicators such as: building areas in need of repair burn patterns forced entry into an empty till lack of clothing in wardrobes and drawers low stock levels in commercial premises missing family photographs/ furniture/personal open filing cabinets or missing files owner/occupier attitude during walk through (if access is permitted) position of clothes if not in wardrobe or drawer presence of accelerant containers or trails rifled premises separate unrelated seats of fire signs of hardship (empty flats, shops to let, etc.) items. unusual odours

Answer 48

hold a conference to come up with plan of action where you will document decisions/ set timings and roles.

Answer 49

you will accompany the Specialist Fire Investigator while they complete a detailed examination of the scene. examination they will observe, note and take into account a number of observations including: damage to roofing timbers damage to wall studs damage to windows sills and door edges elimination of false low burns floor areas burned through skirting board damage removal of fire debris smoke deposits and burn patterns soot deposits on window glass and craze patterns spalling (the cracking or chipping of concrete as a result of being heated and cooled) under floor inspection.

Answer 50

small cracks formed on glass created by rapid heat / rapid cooling.

Answer 51

area of origin point of origin the seat of the fire.

Answer 52

burning under or behind boards where the liquid has run through the cracks containers multiple seats of fire smell traces in debris uneven burning unusually rapid spread or intensity of fire

Answer 53

colour of the flames and smoke depth of charring (probing may indicate where the fire has been burning or smouldering the longest) direction of spread presence of 'starting devices' reports and opinions of other specialists. severity of the damage (fire and heat usually rise, the area at the lowest level of burning with the most severe damage is often the place where the fire started) state of the fire at that time weather wind direction and speed witness' reports- when they first noticed the fire, and where they were at the time

Answer 54

evidence of intentional removal of valuable property, or substitution of property foreign material and objects, such as screws/batteries, that might be part of a device hindering access inconsistencies (for example, that the fire is rapid burning but there is no obvious cause) misdirecting fire fighters tampering with the alarm or sprinkler system signs a crime had been committed signs that furniture was rearranged to create a fire base signs that a heater, soldering iron or other electrical appliance has been left on signs that windows and skylights were opened to create a draught unusual burn patterns or unusual time factors

Answer 55

1. photograph in situ label exhibits preserve in containers 2. Use approved fire investigation/arson kits if these are available 3. take control samples. charred timber and ashes or debris from the seat of the fire for examination and comparison with samples from other points any accelerants found near the scene soil from the surrounding area.

Answer 56

prelim with owner -when was the premises last secured and by whom. -do they know the cause of the fire? - details for any suspects. -details for any insurance. -type of business. -actions leading up to fire. note their demenour.

Answer 57

assessing information obtained establishing possible motives identifying suspects planning further enquiries. reconstructing

Answer 58

crime scene co‐ordinator fingerprint technician/SOCO Fire Investigation Liaison Officer investigating officers OC CIB OC Investigation other specialists as required. Specialist Fire Investigator Police photographer

Answer 59

Fire Investigation Liaison Officer the crime scene co‐ordinator senior Police employee present.

Answer 60

1. briefly interview informant 2. secure and control scene. 3. initial interview of specialist fire investigator (if present) or the OC of the first fire appliance to attend the scene. 4.Interview the incident controller at the scene and find out: time and date of the call and the manner in which it was received what appliances attended the state of the fire when the Fire Service arrived what action the Service has taken, particularly in entering the building and ventilating it after the fire what information the Fire Service has about the building's security what alterations they have made to the scene whether they think the fire is suspicious, and why their opinions of the informant details of people or vehicles acting suspiciously in the vicinity. 5. If the fire is extinguished, ensure safety of the scene before an initial conference is held with the Specialist Fire Investigator, Police and conduct a preliminary examination of the scene 6. If deemed suspicious then re‐group and hold a briefing conference 7. Confer with other staff and determine a plan of action. Brief and deploy them to: conduct local enquiries guard and control the scene identify and interview witnesses at the scene 8. Contact the Emergency Communications Centre and supply a SITREP. Ask for assistance if necessary and the attendance of specialists such as Fire Investigation Liaison Officer, Police photographer and fingerprint technicians. .

Answer 61

Interview witnesses, including: employees, including cleaners and casual staff fire fighters local Police patrols neighbours occupants and their visitors other Police and security staff owners passers‐by person(s) who found the fire, raised the alarm and informed Police or Fire reporters and photographers. spectators vendors and delivery people Ask about suspects and/or other people's movements and people who have left the scene. Also consider sourcing media footage to identify persons at the scene

Answer 62

1. you may identify the suspect via. circumstances of fire enquiries at prisons/ phych wards/rehab centres/schools. fingerprints fire crews info on people who regularly attend fires. informant/witness information media response police resources

Answer 63

1. remember there might be a second explosive device. 2. do not use cell phones, radios, transmitting devices at scene. 3. evac scene at least 100m away. ensure people take their personal items with them. consider using a search dog to locate device. 4. if IED located obtain assistance from IED operator through department of labour or a expert through defence. 5. give regular STREPS to comms.

Answer 64

1. when scene declared safe , conduct scene examination. use videos and photographs 2. remember to continually reconstruct. 3. request suitably experienced ESR analyst.

Answer 65

1. priortise locating the explosive used. the experts might be able to ID the type of explosive from an examination of the damage created. 2. low powered explosive will explode in a general manner causing damage and spreading debris over roughly the same distance in all directions, though a low powered explosive confined, ex pipe, will become a high powered explosive. 3. Explosives that explode at a rate of 1200 ‐ 5000 metres per second (mps) are characterised by the fact that damage occurs in a 'least line of resistance' pattern. This means that windows, doors and light walls blow out. 4. Explosives that explode at a rate greater than 5000 mps do so in a directional manner. Sometimes they explode straight up and down in a definable blast pattern, causing great directional damage, and items that miss the directional blast are not as seriously damaged as might be expected. A person who is experienced in explosives can make an IED that will perform in this way. 5. modern explosive residues are often slight and dissipate rapidly, the OC scene may need to authorise the expert to enter the centre of the scene before it has been fully examined. In this case:‑ create a path to the centre of the explosion, by laying a clean unused roll of plastic or by using approved stepping plates (this may involve some exhibits being trampled underfoot)‑ have the ESR analyst start swabbing the area immediately (work outwards from the seat of the explosion) vertical sheets of iron adjacent to the blast, such as street signs and fencing, are often good sources of residue. Ensure that the items used (including tools and so on) are all carefully cleaned before use. Discuss the avoidance of cross contamination with the ESR analyst. 6. It may also be necessary to remove body parts promptly, before they decompose and animal and insect activity contaminates the scene. The same clean path method should be used. 7. record your impressions of any odours you detect.

Answer 66

look for fingerprints and handwriting samples. IED operators may be able to ID the 'signature' of the offender as they often create IEDs in the exact same way on each occasion. bombers often create bombs from their home or from workshops- consider what evidence would be at these addresses to link them to the the bomb. do not overlook tool marks, footprints etc. seek advise from an explosives expert before conducting a 4X.

Answer 67

obtain the services of a experienced pathologist. individuals may be dismembered at scene from the blast or shrapenal within the vicinity of the explosion. a sharp directional blast may only cause damage to one part of the body, oppsosed to the whole body. consider x-rays to locate evidence within the body. when ID'ing suspects consider suicide / terrorist attacks as motives.

Answer 68

If you are unable to identify the explosive using scientific analysis, consider reconstructing the explosion. Reconstructive explosions must be carried out only:‑ under the supervision of the OC Scene at a suitable range or site in conditions as close to those of the original explosion as possible in close association with explosives and scientific advisors as a scientific test. (if possible video /photograph the reconstruction)

Answer 69

a smell peculiar to the exploded material (for example, the smell of almonds is often associated with explosive or exploded material) cratering overlay of dust shrapnel marks shredding of materials spread of debris

Answer 70

Explosions caused by gas generally cover a wider area than those caused by explosives, and they do not leave a crater. Lighter‐than air gases such as hydrogen will create an outward blow at the top of a wall, heavier‐than‐air gases blow out at the bottom of a wall.

Answer 71

You may find pieces of the device's container scattered a considerable distance from the explosion centre

Answer 72

You may find 'delay setting' tag from the lead wire fragments of the electric detonator casing (although this is highly unlikely). lead wire which may help identify the type of detonator used neoprene plug remaining wire is often referred to as 'fly wire short‐circuiting shunt- a small piece of plastic that is removed from the wires before they are connected into the circuit

Answer 73

Burning leaves most of the fuse in a limp state but you should still be able to identify the colour and manufacturer. The explosion may blow the fuse off its original path. You can find this path by looking for the scorched trail left by the fuse from the point of ignition to the explosion centre. This will be evident even on concrete, and may leave patches of a tarry substance.

Answer 74

Used detonating cord generally leaves little residual trace, but the surfaces over which it was laid may be damaged. You may find 'cut off' pieces of cord that have not detonated because, for example, they have been laid at sharp angles.

Answer 75

Igniter cord often contains a thin wire and leaves a black, charred, ash‐like remnant. This remnant is less substantial than that of a safety fuse.

Answer 76

You may also find unused explosives wrappers and packing material

Answer 77

Aggreived persons wanting revenge/ jealousy etc. business competitors. criminals covering up traces of a crime (burg/ homicide etc) employeees owner/occupier (insurance) pyromanics. pupils/ex pupils of a school set alight. members of the fire service- excitement/ recognition.

Answer 78

associates criminal history. full particulars motor vehicle access. photographs.

Answer 79

character/MH/ movements/ behavour. connection to scene mens rea motive opprtunity

Answer 80

search- clothing, residence, workplace, vehicle for: accelerants. containers. igniters. wick fabric traces of debris photograph evidence be alert for signs that they have been at a fire... burnt fair, smells of smoke, debris, residue of accelerants on skin, provide property sheet. exhibits, secured, labeled, and uplifted by exhibits officer.