Fire and Arson Investigation I

Class
Basic fire and arson investigation practices. Emphasis on fire behavior principles related to fire cause and origin determination.

Academic Dishonesty Policy

Students may be subject to disciplinary proceedings resulting in an academic penalty or disciplinary penalty for academic dishonesty. Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. For additional information refer to the "Student Code of Conduct" in the Weatherford College student handbook.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Determine point of origin and the cause of the fire.
  • Identify motives of fire setters.
  • Describe the elements of the combustion process.
  • Review of arson law and case law.
  • Describe proper search and seizure law in fire investigation.
  • Interpret proper fire terminology.
  • Explain the powers and authority of a fire investigator.
Required Textbooks
DeHaan, John D. Kirks Fire Investigation, 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc., 2007. NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, current edition.

Suggested Readings

(not required for course) DeHaan, John D. and David J. Icove. Forensic Fire Scene Reconstruction. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc., 2004. Petrovich, Wayne. A Firefighter's Handbook: Technical Skills for Entering, Documenting and Testifying in a Fire Scene Investigation. Springfield, IL: Charles C Thomas Publications Ltd., 1998. US Department of Justice. Fire and Arson Scene Evidence: A Guide for Public Safety Personnel. Washington, DC: Office of Justice Programs, 2000. Wade, Colleen. Handbook of Forensic Services. Washington, DC: US Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, 1999.

ISBN-10
0-13-171922-x
Evaluation Standards

Students will be evaluated based on their overall averages from the assignments, quizzes, class participation, semester long project, examinations and participations in discussion forums. The students grade will be calculated from the above actions by utilization of the below model

Assignments 30%
Quizzes 30%
Exams (midterm 10%, final 20%)
Semester Long Project 10%

90% to 100% = A
80% to 89% = B
70% to 79% = C
60% to 69% = D
Below 60% = F

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
Hope Statement
Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).
Revised
Fall 2021
Last Modified
Thursday, September 9, 2021, 2:53 PM