Transcript Document
Peter Mansi Honorary President IAAI-UK www.iaai-uk.com ‘Forensic’ Queen’s English Dictionary definition … ‘Belonging to, or used in Courts of Law’ www.iaai-uk.com Crown Prosecution Service … Sheri Warren stated: ‘Good evidence should match the weight of the crime. Cases collapse due to inadequate evidence’ www.iaai-uk.com Statistics in the UK … • Successful prosecutions? (2001/2002) – About 9% of arsons were detected (25%) – Approx 3% arson fires lead to prosecution (6.5%) • Need for better forensic evidence? – Arson has almost doubled from 31,000 (1997) to 60,000 (2001/2002) – Forensic awareness training – Joint agency training – Understanding each others roles at the scene. www.iaai-uk.com USA and UK …what IS the difference? • NFPA 921 ‘Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations’ 2001 edition - 1st in 1992 • Kirk’s Fire Investigation (5th) - 1st in 1969 • Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) Programme (1986) … Recognised accreditation • Partnership working www.iaai-uk.com USA and UK …what IS the difference? Arson Investigator Arson trained State and Federal Prosecutors www.iaai-uk.com Fire crews FIO Police CSI/FSS CPS Barrister HMI Police Services … • Sir Keith Povey suggested that: ‘ some police powers could possibly be given to Fire Investigation Officers in the future’ www.iaai-uk.com Partnership working … • Fire personnel – Police – ATF – Insurance – Specialists • ‘Manage’ the investigation – All stakeholders fully participate and communicate with each other www.iaai-uk.com IAAI International • Kentucky - 1949 – 268 members • The UK Chapter is the 67th of the Association • The Chapters represent over 25,000 fire investigators from 35 nations • International Headquarters – ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI USA • Membership – over 9000 members worldwide. www.iaai-uk.com Why the IAAI-UK was formed ... • Fire and Arson Investigators Forum (FAIF) London • Memorandum of Understanding (Vs10) • IAAI-UK (31st January 2003) • Members from ALL organisations involved in fire and arson issues. www.iaai-uk.com Why join IAAI-UK? • • • • • • Web page Bulletin board 6 monthly newsletter 6 monthly meetings Training £12/year www.iaai-uk.com CFI Programme … • Sets Minimum Standards Based Upon Education, Experience and Training • Recognised Internationally – CFI Committee Accredited by Pro Board in America – The Qualifications & Curriculum Authority (QCA) In England and Wales have accepted the Programme • Oral exam – 5 questions set by CFI Committee (USA). www.iaai-uk.com Thank you … Peter Mansi Honorary President IAAI-UK www.iaai-uk.com