Arson (PT 4) **Police instructions** Flashcards
What are the first questions in relation to any suspected electrical fire?
- was the power to the building live
- was the power to the area of the building where the fire started live
- electrical continuity to the suspected electrical heat source
Fire involving explosives, initial action, what steps must be followed?
- Remember that there may be a secondary device anywhere at the scene, including in a nearby building or vehicle. Do not handle or interfere with anything unfamiliar.
- Do not use cell phones, portable radios or other transmitting devices.
- Evacuate the scene to a distance of at least 100m. Ensure that people leaving the scene bring their personal possessions with them. This will limit the number of items to be cleared. Consider using an explosives detector dog to locate the device.
- If the IED is located, immediately obtain the assistance of an IED operator from the Department of Labour. If no Department of Labour operators are available, consider utilising a Defence Force expert. Bear in mind that the expertise of Armed Services operators relates primarily to military ordnance.
- Give regular SITREPs to the Police Emergency Communications Centre.
Examining a scene involving explosives, what steps should be taken?
- Once scene declared safe, conduct scene exam, use video, photographs.
- Remember to continually reconstruct
- Request attendance of ESR.
As a general rule the more powerful the explosive, the….
The less residue it leaves and the more directed the explosion
Discuss a low powered explosive?
Will explode in a general manner, causing damage and spreading over roughly the same distance in all direction. A low powered explosive can become a high powered explosive through confinement.
In relation to media, what should be done?
One person should be allocated to deal with the media to avoid differing accounts and maintain control over what is released.
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 O/C 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.
What to look for
Characteristic damage caused by explosives includes:
‑ cratering
‑ spread of debris
‑ shredding of materials
‑ a smell peculiar to the exploded material; for example, the smell of almonds is often associated with explosive or exploded material
‑ an overlay of dust
‑ shrapnel marks.
Electric detonators
You may find:
‑ lead wire, which may help identify the type of detonator used ‐ the remaining wire is often referred to as ‘fly wire’
‑ the neoprene plug
‑ the short‐circuiting shunt ‐ a small piece of plastic that is removed from the wires before they are connected into the circuit
‑ the ‘delay setting’ tag from the lead wire
‑ fragments of the electric detonator casing (although this is highly unlikely).
When using a suspicious fire sampling kit, ensure that:
‑ the samples have not been, and cannot be, cross‐contaminated
‑ all containers are sealed and clearly labelled
‑ liquid samples are secure and isolated from other exhibits
‑ the kit is forwarded as a unit, even if only one container has been used
‑ the package is correctly addressed.
A rural fire requiring investigation will be:
‑ where the rural fire authority intends to make a claim under the rural fire fighting fund
‑ where negligence has been shown by a person or party ‐ these offences are usually dealt with under the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977, but with the recent changes to Arson statute (around recklessness) the Crimes Act should not be discounted
‑ all suspicious fires
‑ multiple fires start in an area with no apparent reason
‑ any fires which may provide the Rural Fire Authority with information and assist in their prevention and investigation strategies.
