Reference no: EM133235109

Read the scenario and then answer the following questions: it's the middle of the night, the smell of smoke fills the air. There is bright, smoldering glow lighting up the sky. Spectators gather on their porches, awoken by the roaring heat and the crackling sounds coming from across the street. The fire and police departments are called.

An arson investigator for the fire department that has been assigned to the case and a first responder on the scene. The arson investigator takes particular note to the surrounding bystanders and any vehicles or individuals leaving the scene. The arson investigator also record the massive volume of flames that are burring high, bright orange and yellow in an eastward direction. It is a cool, clear night, with a light blowing wind. The fire department extinguishes the fire; however, there is significant charring and smoke damage to all three floors. Arson is suspected. The arson investigator begin to coordinate efforts with the police in order to begin a preliminary investigation.

The arson investigator and police combine their efforts to investigate the fire. There is a kerosene heater found on the first floor living room, which is thought to be the acceleration. Remnants of wax are found near the severely damaged metal heater. Although it is a cool night, several windows throughout the house are determined to have been opened.

A police officer is assigned to investigate the fire. The arson investigator is confident that this fire is an act of arson; however, at this point, the police officer is unsure if a crime has even been committed. The police officer knows that finding physical evidence is going to be extremely difficult due to the severe extent of the fire. The police officer splits up with the arson investigator and begin canvasing the area, speaking to neighbors, onlookers, and people that have collected at the scene of the fire to try and find any witnesses that may have information about the suspected arson.

Question 1. What did the arson investigator do when they arrived on the scene and why? What additional information do you think the arson investigator should have collected?

Question 2: The scenario above presented several investigative challenges. What were those challenges and what other obstacles do investigators have to overcome when dealing with arson?