Arson Investigation
... There may be numerous explanations on why an individual would commit this heinous crime. These can range from revenge, jealousy, vandalism or insurance fraud. The United States Department of Justice performed a study with the arsonist population to obtain a clearer understanding of their motive behind this crime. This study found that 31 percent of the inmates convicted of arson were under the influence of illegal drugs when they committed the crime. When it comes to the investigation of arson, it is essential for the police and fire department to work together. Arson is a growing problem and is no less dangerous than any crime. And, since it usually destroys its own evidence, it is twice as hard to detect. Yet, a true sign of arson is when gasoline or kerosene is detected. Also, a burnt match or a lot of combustible materials in a specific area can be important evidence in arson investigation. When searching the scene of a fire the most important thing is to find the origin of the fire. It is said that fires move in an upward direction, and “the probable origin will most likely be located closest to the lowest point that shows the most intense characteristics of burning. Since flammable liquids always flow to the lowest point, more severe burning found on the floor than on the ceiling may indicate the presence of an accelerant” (Saferstien, 2001, p. 298). As with ...