CCOG for FP 9210 archive revision 201403

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Effective Term:
Summer 2014

Course Number:
FP 9210
Course Title:
Arson Law, Evidence, Motives
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Introduces common law, statutory law and case law pertaining to arson and other willful burning. Arson as an economic crime and a part of organized crime operation is also discussed. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

This course can be used as an elective toward an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology. This course meets the following NFPA 1033 Standards for Fire Investigator; (3-2.1 thru 3-2.6) (3-3.1 thru 3-3.3) (3-4.1 thru 3-4.5) (3-6.1 thru 3-6.5)

Intended Outcomes for the course

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system; criminal prosecution process and statutory law 
  • Define arson; describe the arson problem and the history of arson as a crime 
  • Describe revised statutes applied to the criminal prosecution of arson and legal definitions of applicable terms 
  • Demonstrate scene examination techniques; securing the scene; exterior survey; interior survey; interpret and correlate burn patterns; examine and remove debris 
  • Document the investigative scene; diagram; photograph and construct investigative notes
  • Demonstrate proper procedures for collecting and preserving evidence; selecting", locating and packaging evidence; maintain the chain of custody; dispose of evidence utilizing appropriate policy and procedures 
  • Demonstrate post incident investigation; gather reports and records; evaluate investigative files; coordinate with expert resources; establish evidence as to motive and/or opportunity; formulate opinion supported by records", reports, documents and evidence

Course Activities and Design

The material in this course will be presented in a lecture", demonstration, and practical application format. Other instructional methods including guest speakers, research papers," simulations and student presentations may be employed.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

At the beginning of the course", the instructor will discuss the methods used to evaluate student performance and progress and the criteria for assigning a course grade. A course syllabus will be provided. Assessment methods may include one or more of the following: examinations, quizzes, simulations, demonstrations, projects, research papers and classroom participation.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system; criminal prosecution process and statutory law 
  • Define arson; describe the arson problem and the history of arson as a crime 
  • Describe revised statutes applied to the criminal prosecution of arson and legal definitions of applicable terms 
  • Demonstrate scene examination techniques; securing the scene; exterior survey; interior survey; interpret and correlate burn patterns; examine and remove debris 
  • Document the investigative scene; diagram; photograph and construct investigative notes
  • Demonstrate proper procedures for collecting and preserving evidence; selecting", locating and packaging evidence; maintain the chain of custody; dispose of evidence utilizing appropriate policy and procedures 
  • Demonstrate post incident investigation; gather reports and records; evaluate investigative files; coordinate with expert resources; establish evidence as to motive and/or opportunity; formulate opinion supported by records", reports, documents and evidence