FM
a fire investigator can obtain a copy of a death certificate from the County Coroner/Medical Examiner or the: a. insurance adjuster b. county clerk c. municipal health department d. municipal police department
c. municipal health department
discovery is the process occurring during the ___ phase of a legal proceeding. a. post trial b. trial c. pretrial d. interrogation
c. pretrial
which of the following is the most common motive for arson fires? a. vandalism b. profit c. revenge d. excitement
c. revenge
who maintains fire incident databases a. municipal fire department b. county probate c. county assessor d. municipal street department e. state fire marshal's office
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who maintains fire incident reports a. municipal fire department b. county probate c. county assessor d. municipal street department e. state fire marshal's office
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who maintains legal descriptions of property a. municipal fire department b. county probate c. county assessor d. municipal street department e. state fire marshal's office
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who maintains maps showing location of drains, conduits and easements a. municipal fire department b. county probate c. county assessor d. municipal street department e. state fire marshal's office
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The fire investigator should make sure that presentation information to the public or in court is: A. accurate, reliable, and supported by data and information. B. Minimal and released on a need to know basis only. C. protected by court or fire marshal orders. D. his own opinion
A. accurate, reliable, and supported by data and information.
The difference between fact testimony and expert testimony is (a)n: A. fact testimony may only testify to facts observed. B. expert must testify to the facts and cannot offer opinions. C. group of eyewitnesses are usually in agreement concerning the facts observed. D. expert, in most cases, is excluded when reporting the ultimate cause or origin of the fire.
A. fact testimony may only testify to facts observed.
When testifying in legal proceedings, a witness should testify: A. in a clear, firm voice using understandable language and terms. B. using professional jargon and slang. C. by answering in a rapid offhand manner. D. in a soft, mild manner.
A. in a clear, firm voice using understandable language and terms.
During testimony the fire investigator should, above everything else: A. tell the truth B. conceal minor errors in the investigation and evidence collection processes. C. do everything possible to obtain a prosecution. D. avoid embarrassing the fire marshal's office.
A. tell the truth
During testimony the fire investigator should: A. testify in a clear and firm voice. B. emphasize his technical expertise and training. C. answer questions rapidly and expand on answers as deemed appropriate. D. both A and B are correct.
A. testify in a clear and firm voice.
The success of a case in court often depends on: A. the performance of the fire investigator even under duress. B. corroboration of expert witnesses. C. the jury's perceived level of honesty of expert and eyewitnesses. D. the demeanor of the judge and jury.
A. the performance of the fire investigator even under duress.
During testimony the fire investigator should: A. speak to the court audience when responding to questions from either side of counsel. B. avoid the use of slang and professional jargon C. answer questions rapidly and expand on answers when you think it appropriate. D. All of the above.
B. avoid the use of slang and professional jargon
The final test of a fire investigation is its: A depth and accuracy of laboratory information. B. presentation in court. C. number of witnesses who are in agreement. D. information that aids the defense case only.
B. presentation in court
If an expert witness is to testify on a scientific theory or technique, then it must be evaluated on four factors. They include all of the following except: A. the theory or technique has been or can be tested. B. the theory has been subjected to editorial review. C. the theory has a known or potential rate of error. D. the theory has gained general acceptance in the relevant scientific community.
B. the theory has been subjected to editorial review.
Expert testimony regarding the origin and cause determination of a fire must be: A. completely defensible beyond any reasonable doubt. B. corroborated by other expert witnesses. C. based on scientific knowledge, an understanding of the science involved, the accuracy and reliability of conclusions reached using the data or information. D. considered under different weights and tests than other evidence presented to the court.
C. based on scientific knowledge, an understanding of the science involved, the accuracy and reliability of conclusions reached using the data or information.
A fire investigator qualified as an expert should provide: A. evidence of opinion that may not be relevant or reliable. B. information that aids the prosecution case only. C. information to aid the judge and jury in understanding the facts at issue. D. information that aids the defense case only.
C. information to aid the judge and jury in understanding the facts at issue.
During pretrial preparation the fire investigator should: A. arrive at court early. B. dress in a manner suitable to the venue. C. carefully package, seal, and store all evidence in approved containers and in designated storage areas. D. Both A and B are correct.
D. Both A and B are correct.
Failure to send out a news release to all the local media: A. can result in the perception of preferential treatment. B. can cause mistrust and hurt relationships with the media. C. is preferable if you have one or two media contacts you can trust. D. Both A and B are correct.
D. Both A and B are correct.
The fire investigation team should exercise caution when releasing or otherwise providing information to the public. Before such releases, approval should be obtained from the Public Information Officer (PIO) If the PIO is not on scene, then approval comes from: A. Incident Commander B. State Fire marshal's office C. public works official D. follow jurisdictional department policies for dissemination of information.
D. follow jurisdictional department policies for dissemination of information.
To qualify as an expert witness you must: A. not offer opinions, just be able to testify to the validity of the facts. B. have been directly involved in the investigation. C. hold appropriate academic credentials proving expertise. D. possess special knowledge, training, and experience in the area of expertise.
D. possess special knowledge, training, and experience in the area of expertise.
place the following steps in order for systematic approach for an investigation Develop a hypothesis Collect data Recognize the need Test the hypothesis Define the problem Analyze the data
Recognize the need Define the problem Collect data Analyze the data Develop a hypothesis Test the hypothesis
Are the following statements true or false. Statement 1: A fact witness provides testimony that is sometimes referred to as lay testimony. Statement 2: Expert witnesses always have the right to answer every question in full and explain their answers Statement 3: A fact witness is allowed to provide opinion testimony in limited circumstances.
Statement 1 is true; statements 2 and 3 are false.
which of the following statements regarding pretrial pretrial procedures is true or false. Statement 1: a pretrial conference is not very important Statement 2: Make a list of your qualifications Statement 3: The jury does not have to concentrate on what you say.
Statement 2 is true; statements 1 and 3 are false.
Which of the following statements regarding investigation report writing is true or false: Statement 1: In order to certify to NFPA 1033, fire investigators must be able to prepare a written report of an investigation they performed. Statement 2: The investigative report is an official record of the investigator's activities and findings. Statement 3: The purpose of the investigative report is to build a case.
Statements 1 and 2 are true; statement 3 is false
Which of the following statements are true or false. Statement 1: Proper dress is important for the image of the expert witness. Statement 2: A suit is always proper dress for an expert witness. Statement 3: If an expert witness wears a uniform in the performance of regular duties, it can also be considered proper dress.
Statements 1 and 3 are true; statement 2 is false
Which of the following statements are true or false. Statement 1: Normally the weight of evidence as to the cause of a fire is determined by the same tests applied to other evidence. Statement 2: The responsibilities of the expert witness are no greater than those of a fact witness. Statement 3: An expert witness is allowed at the discretion of the court to provide opinion testimony
Statements 1 and 3 are true; statement 2 is false.
True or False releasing investigative findings to the media can be a challenge because they have the ability to either support or complicate the work of the investigation.
True
Which NFPA publication can be used to record fire investigative field notes? a. 906 b. 904 c. 902 d. 909
a. 906
in an effort to evaluate information given by a witness, it is important to consider whether or not the source is___ and/or ______ by conducting an evaluation of the witness' sources. a. accurate, reliable b. trusted, accurate c. accurate, competent d. reliable, competent
a. accurate, reliable
The cause of a fire may be classified as: a. accidental, suspicious, arson, or unknown. b. accidental, natural, incendiary, or undetermined c. accidental, unnatural, arson, or unknown d. accidental, inhibited, or suspicious
b. accidental, natural, incendiary, or undetermined
timed opportunity is: a. an act that coincides with another circumstance permitting successful destruction of property b. the cause, reason, or incentive that induces specific behavior c. the setting of fires at a particular time and day of the week d. preformed with malice to destroy property e. any fire setting act designed to conceal another crime
a. an act that coincides with another circumstance permitting successful destruction of property
the most important activity by the fire investigator in preparation for an interview is: a. developing a through understanding of all facets of the investigation b. planning the setting of the interview c. determining whether the interviewee can be approached with an attitude of trust d. establishing the identity of the interviewee.
a. developing a thorough understanding of all facets of the investigation
a hypothesis must withstand the test of deductive reasoning or the investigator should: a. discard it as not provable b. analyze the hypothesis for improper wording c.request assistance from the laboratory technician. d. both B and C are correct
a. discard it as not provalbe
the state fire marshal's office maintains public records regarding: a. fire incident databases and fire investigation activities b. fire investigation activities and licensed insurance agents c. licensed insurance agents and fire incident databases d. fire investigation activities and private investigations
a. fire incident databases and fire investigation acrivities
the state fire marshal's office maintains public records regarding: a. fire incident databases and fire investigation activities b. fire investigation activities and licensed insurance agents c. licensed insurance agents and fire incident databases d. fire investigation activities and private investigations
a. fire incident databases and fire investigation activities
Fire engineering technologist assist with a. technology of fire and explosion b. fire and safety engineering c. analysis of H.V.A.C. system d. legal assistance e. chemical processes and fluid dynamics
a. technology of fire and explosion
sophisticated timing and ignition devices are most likely to be used when the motive for arson is: a. terrorism b. juvenile fire setters c. vanity d. to conceal another crime
a. terrorism
the most important means of communication for a fire investigator is through: a. the written report. b. verbal reports and court testimony c. a brief report d. the report of the investigator's supervisor
a. the written report
a preliminary report is often a brief summary of the incident and involves the: a. what, who, and when of a fire. b. details of the investigation. c. details of the scene examination and witnesses. d. specific origin and cause determination.
a. what, who, and when of a fire.
the key to the analysis of serial fire setting is knowing; a. whether the fire setting is repetitive or not. b. that the fire setting has temporal frequency c. that a fire setter will set fire to the same types of buildings. d. whether fire settings occur at different times of the day.
a. whether the fire setting is repetitive or not.
Which of the following statements are true or false. Statement 1: During pretrial preparation, notes and reports must be reviewed and questions or problems discussed with counsel. Statement 2: Any errors discovered are best freely admitted to upon direct examination. Statement 3: Charts, diagrams, or other visual aids must be planned ahead of time.
all statements are true.
Which of the following statements regarding conducting interviews is true or false Statement 1: during the interview, the most effective approach is to ask open-ended questions Statement 2: during the interview, the investigator should actively listen while maintaining eye contact. Statement 3: during the interview, the investigator should anticipate what the interviewee is about to say.
all three statements are true
which of the following questions concerning the need for a specialist are true or false Statement 1: a mechanical or materials engineer can help determine the reason that a drive shaft or bearing failed Statement 2: a hydraulic engineer can help determine whether the failure of a hydraulic system caused or contributed to a fire. Statement 3: Many determinations involving specialized equipment are beyond the capabilities of most crime laboratory personnel
all three statements are true
which court ruling contended that a fire investigator could offer an opinion that a fire was arson simply as a result of looking at the evidence? a. Daubert vs. Merrell Dow pharmaceuticals b. Michigan Millers Mutual vs Benfield c. U.S. vs. Markum d. Kumho Tire vs. Carmichael
b. Michigan millers mutual vs. benfield
regarding the investigation section of the investigation report, how is a recorded interview included? a. a copy of the audio tape can accompany the written report. b. a verbatim transcript of the interview should be included. c. the investigator can listen to the tape and put the general information into a written format. d. the information on the tape can be written into an outline format.
b. a verbatim transcript of the interview should be included.
the purpose of a ___ search warrant is generally to allow those charged with the responsibility, by ordinance or statute, to investigate the origin and cause of a fire. a. exigent b. administrative c. criminal d. consent
b. administrative
the completeness and accuracy of a fire investigator's report is determined by its: a. clarity, readability, and summary b. clarity, readability, and conciseness. c. follow-up and recommended course of action. d. reported allegations and suppositions.
b. clarity, readability, and conciseness
Fire protection engineer assist with a. technology of fire and explosion b. fire and safety engineering c. analysis of H.V.A.C. system d. legal assistance e. chemical processes and fluid dynamics
b. fire and safety engineering
while conducting an interview, it is important to remember that privileged communications apply to all of the following except communication between: a. husband and wife b. fire chief and fire marshal c. attorney and client d. priest and penitent
b. fire chief and fire marshal
Fire protection engineering deals with the relationship between: a. mechanical systems and equipment b. ignition sources and materials in determining what may have started the fire. c. fire alarm systems and requirements of the building to be protected. d. elements that may be stored within a building
b. ignition sources and materials in determining what may have started the fire.
during the preparation for an interview, an investigator should develop an ___ so that a ___ can be determined. a. fire investigation, suspect b. interview plan, strategy c. interview plan, suspect d. fire investigation, strategy
b. interview plan, strategy
persons interviewed in custodial settings should be advised of their ___ rights. a. civil b. miranda c. pretrial legal d. administrative
b. miranda
a goal of every fire investigation is to produce _____ documents, samples, statements, information, data, and _____. a. demonstrative, hearsay b. reliable, conclusions c. control, testimony d. legal, conclusions
b. reliable, conclusions
Which one of the following statements concerning report writing is false? a. write simply and clearly, using the active form of writing. b. report all allegations and suppositions, even if they are unsupported. c.be sure the report is complete and all facts are reported accurately d. avoid spelling errors; use simple active sentences.
b. report all allegations and suppositions, even if they are unsupported.
motive is: a. an act that coincides with another circumstance permitting successful destruction of property b. the cause, reason, or incentive that induces specific behavior c. the setting of fires at a particular time and day of the week d. preformed with malice to destroy property e. any fire setting act designed to conceal another crime
b. the cause, reason, or incentive that induces specific behavior
which of the following is not a Miranda right? a. to have the presence of an attorney b. to make a phone call c. statement they do make may be used as evidence against them d. remain silent
b. to make a phone call
delay devices are: a. a scattered series of accelerant spots located throughout the structure b. used to set fires over a longer period of time for alibi/scene escape c.a distribution of a fuel from one area to another d. a deliberately set fire e. a large amount of flammables arranged to support fire growth and development
b. used to set fires over a longer period of time for alibi/scene escape
Which of the following arson motives commonly involves using only fuels incidental to the scene as opposed to accelerates brought along by the perpetrator? a. revenge b. vandalism c. profit. d. extemism
b. vandalism
Mechanical engineers assist with a. technology of fire and explosion b. fire and safety engineering c. analysis of H.V.A.C. system d. legal assistance e. chemical processes and fluid dynamics
c. analysis of H.V.A.C. system
of the following listed locations, which one is the most suitable for an arsonist's destructive goal? a. attic b. first floor c. basement d. upper floor
c. basement
___ is the meanse by which a party obtains documentation from the opposing party to prove its allegation regarding the information and/or evidence that is possesses. a. subpoena b. burden of proof c. discovery d. civil proceeding
c. discovery
a hypothesis should be based solely on: a. data supplied by the fire department b. data obtained form national/local information sources. c. empirical data collected by the investigator d. both A and B are correct.
c. empirical data collected by the investigator
by far, and predominant service to fire investigators that a laboratory provides is the analysis of fire debris to: a. determine the fire load b. identify specific items c. identify suspected volatile accelerates. d. determine a material;s burning characteristics.
c. identify suspected volatile accelerates.
to formulate an opinion of the person who is setting fires, one should look at three principal trends: a. evidence of other crimes, type of neighborhood, and opportunity b. time of the fire setting, location, and evidence of other crimes. c. materials and method, temporal frequency, and geographic area d. method of setting, materials used, and evidence of other crimes
c. materials and method, temporal frequency, and geographic area.
the fire investigator does not have a truly provable hypothesis unless the hypothesis can a. meet the guildelines of the local jurisdiction b. stand the test of all forensic examinations c. stand the test of careful and serious challenge d. be supported by a second investigators opinion
c. stand the test of careful and serious challenge
if the origin of a fire cannot be determined: a. scientific analysis can be employed to establish the hypothesis b. reevaluate the initial fire attack c. the cause cannot be determined d. the use of an accelerate detection dog is recommended and accepted as fact.
c. the cause cannot be determined
temporal frequency is: a. an act that coincides with another circumstance permitting successful destruction of property b. the cause, reason, or incentive that induces specific behavior c. the setting of fires at a particular time and day of the week d. preformed with malice to destroy property e. any fire setting act designed to conceal another crime
c. the setting of fires at a particular time and day of the week.
telephone conversations, tape recordings, radio transmissions, and commercial radio broadcasts are all examples of ___sources. a. visual b. electronic c. verbal d. written
c. verbal
trailers are: a. a scattered series of accelerant spots located throughout the structure b. used to set fires over a longer period of time for alibi/scene escape c.a distribution of a fuel from one area to another d. a deliberately set fire e. a large amount of flammables arranged to support fire growth and development
c.a distribution of a fuel from one area to another
Incendiary fire are: a. a scattered series of accelerant spots located throughout the structure b. used to set fires over a longer period of time for alibi/scene escape c.a distribution of a fuel from one area to another d. a deliberately set fire e. a large amount of flammables arranged to support fire growth and development
d. a deliberately set fire
the investigator should be extremely cautious when: a. there is a lack of physical evidence to support the cause of an incendiary fire b. the fire setting does not have a temporal frequency c. using subjective opinions to support the cause of an incendiary fire. d. both A and C.
d. both A and C
juveniles and adolescents are most likely to have which one of the following as a motive for arson a. hate/spite/revenge b. fraud c. hero/vanity d. excitement/attention/recongition
d. excitement/attention/recognition
the term forensic means: a. having to do with collection of evidence. b. investigative. c. having to do with medical analysis d. having to do with a court of law.
d. having to do with a court of law
which of the following documents can not be used during a fire investigation? a. fire reports b. police reports c. insurance policies d. high school transcripts
d. high school transcripts
Attorney assist with a. technology of fire and explosion b. fire and safety engineering c. analysis of H.V.A.C. system d. legal assistance e. chemical processes and fluid dynamics
d. legal assistance
which one of the following should not be included in the summary section of an investigation report? a. date, time, and location of the fire b. date, time, and circumstances of the scene examination c. conclusions about the origin and cause of the fire d. names, addresses, and statements of witnesses
d. names, addresses, and statements of witnesses
the investigator, when assigned an incident, should know if they are expected to: a. determine the origin or cause of the fire b. produce a written or oral report c. determine some other result of the fire. d. perform all of the above
d. perform all of the above
all of the following are examples of the assistance and information Insurance agents and adjusters can provide to the fire investigation except: a. contents of the structure prior to the fire b. type and condition of fire protection systems c. insurance coverage and prior losses d. point of origin
d. point of origin
intent is: a. an act that coincides with another circumstance permitting successful destruction of property b. the cause, reason, or incentive that induces specific behavior c. the setting of fires at a particular time and day of the week d. preformed with malice to destroy property e. any fire setting act designed to conceal another crime
d. preformed with malice to destroy property
conversations between a husband and wife, priest and penitent, and attorney and client are all forms of ___ and are made by persons within a ___. a. public information, protected relationship b. public information, verbal source c. privileged communication, verbal source privileged communication, protected relationship
d. privileged communication, verbal source privileged communication, protected relationship
Which of the following is the recognized format when writing an investigative report? a. scene description, investigation, summary conclusions b. investigation, scene description, conclusions, summary c. summary, investigation, scene description, conclusions d. summary, scene description, investigation, conclusions
d. summary, scene description, investigation, conclusions
of the following, the two most common methods of documenting an interview are to: a. tape record and memorize b. take written notes and memorize c. take written notes and always use two investigators d. tape record and take written notes.
d. tape record and take written notes.
reports, documents, reference materials, and newspapers are all forms of _____ sources a. visual b. electronic c. verbal d. written
d. written
unusual fire load are a. a scattered series of accelerant spots located throughout the structure b. used to set fires over a longer period of time for alibi/scene escape c.a distribution of a fuel from one area to another d. a deliberately set fire e. a large amount of flammables arranged to support fire growth and development
e. a large amount of flammables arranged to support fire growth and development
which of the following statements regarding interview planning are true or false: Statement 1: the express purpose of any interview is to gather useful, pertinent and accurate information Statement 2: the fire investigator must identify who is to be interviewed Statement 3: all identified parties to be interviewed should be kept together in a single, segregated location
statements 1 and 2 are true; statement 3 is false
which of the following statements concerning the fire investigator preparedness for testifying is true or false. Statement 1: Notes and reports must be reviewed and any questions or problems discussed with counsel. Statement 2: Charts, diagrams, or other visual aids should be completed during the trial. Statement 3: A pretrial conference takes place before a judge.
statements 1 and 3 are true; statement 2 is false