Arson investigators determine how and why fires occur, requiring knowledge of forensic evidence, engineering, and fire behavior. Formal training, people skills, and ongoing education are necessary. They work for insurance companies, attorneys, fire departments, or federal agencies. Certification is available through professional organizations.
A career as an arson investigator makes for a varied and exciting workday. The primary responsibility of an arson or fire investigator is to decipher how a fire occurred and why. To become a criminal investigator, a person needs to have knowledge of forensic evidence techniques, engineering, scientific aspects of fire behavior, and investigative skills. The investigator may work for a private insurance company, an attorney, or public service agencies such as a fire department or federal agency.
Someone who wants to become a criminal investigator will need formal training. Fire science degree programs are available at universities. Programs include subjects such as fire behavior, fluid mechanics, analysis and practical simulations in laboratory environments. Structural engineering techniques, chemistry, criminal law, photography and forensic evidence are also worthwhile courses. Most agencies are looking for someone with at least an associate’s degree.
People skills are a huge asset for anyone looking to become a criminal investigator. Law enforcement training includes interviewing and interrogation techniques for good reason. Arson investigators often talk with witnesses and owners of damaged property, looking for possible motives for the arson or everyday practices that could have accidentally started the fire. Investigators also benefit from training in preparation for depositions and trials, as well as court behavior should they need to testify.
When the investigator is on the job, extensive training will be required. From simple accelerators to complex remote ignition devices, the technology used in the fire is as varied as the arsonists themselves. Seminars and conferences on continuing education in court readiness, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) training, and up-to-date evidence gathering keep investigators’ skills sharp. Careful collection of evidence and attention to chain of custody procedures ensure a strong case.
Becoming a criminal investigator in the private sector means working for a lawyer, private forensic consulting firm or insurance company. Many people commit arson for the purpose of collecting insurance, so the role of the criminal investigator is important in preventing fraudulent claims. Most arson investigators work with police or fire departments. The US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) employs approximately 80 full-time certified fire investigators whose experience is needed at federal and local fire scenes.
Local and state investigators often volunteer at first, then pursue formal training on their own while learning under more experienced staff. Hopeful candidates can earn voluntary certifications by joining professional organizations such as the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and, in the US, the National Association of Arson Investigators (NAFI). Arsonists are inventive and trends in any given crime change over time, providing those who would like to become a criminal investigator with numerous opportunities for a career in this field.
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