Suspect Enquiries In Respect Of Fires Not Involving Explosives

Question 1

Procedure - steps 1

Answer 1

You may identify suspects by means of:
- circumstances of the fire
- fingerprints
- information from informants and witnesses
- media response
- police resources like Intel or Y.A or FILO
- 4Qs at prisons, psychiatric hospitals, rehab centers, schools
- information from fire crews who attend fires regularly

Question 2

Procedure - steps 2

Answer 2

Possible suspects may include
- the owner/occupier for insurance fraud
- an employee, to cover theft or forgery
- a criminal to cover the traces of a crime or to intimidate
- an aggrieved person suffering from jealousy, hatred, rage, revenge
- a pyromaniac suffering from mental illness
- school could be pupil or ex-pupil
- member of fire service for excitement or personal recognition
- a business competitor to disadvantage a rival

Question 3

Procedure - steps 3 & 4

Answer 3

Step 3 Investigate suspects thoroughly and according to priority. Obtain their:
- full particulars
- criminal histories
- vehicles they have access to
- associates
- photo
Step 4 consider surveillance

Question 4

Procedure - steps 5

Answer 4

Complete inquiries to establish the suspects:
- opportunity
- motive
- mens rea (guilty mind)
- connection with the scene and the crime
- character, mental breakdown, history, movements, and behaviour

Question 5

Procedure - steps 6

Answer 5

Consider a search warrant, and when executing, search all areas where evidence could be found, which could include:
- Accelerants
- containers
- ignitors
- wick fabric
- Traces of debris from the scene
- photgraph evidence in situ
- ask for and note the suspects explanation and possible evidence on them.
- Prop all exhibits
- ensure all exhibits are labeled, examined, and uplifted.

Question 6

Procedure - steps 7, 8, 9 & 10

Answer 6

Step 7 Interview the suspect
Step 8 Consider ID and montage
Step 9 Complete 4qs to corroborate or negate the suspects explanation
Step 10 Advise your supervisor, consider whether the ingredients of an offence, and a prima facie case have been established. Obtain authority to prosecute

Question 7

Procedure - Steps 11 & 12

Answer 7

Step 11Arrest the suspect and obtain:
- Fingerprints
- Photograph
- DNA
- consider med exam for any injuries
- offender report details
- consider getting the offender to do a reconstruction if co-operative
Step 12 Prosecution file and report to FILO