Module Eight: Discussion Questions

1. Which reactants used in this experiment are flammable? Discuss the safety precautions that are necessary when working with flammable materials in the lab?

Why is it important to secure the crime scene? What do you think would be the most difficult part of doing this?

What do you think would be the most interesting aspect of working with firearm evidence? What do you think would be the most challenging part?

Depending on the source, and the perspective of the author, there are two main theories or justifications for the fire. One is that the fire was caused and intentionally fueled by arsonists inside the compound. The other theory is that the fire was caused as a result of the FBI throwing tear gas into the partially destroyed building where residents were firing and receiving active gunfire. The areas where tear gas, a flammable component, was introduced were very heat sensitive because of the constant gun fire that was occurring. The cause of the fire is important because if the residents started and fueled the fire then they were responsible for the fire, but if the fire was caused by the FBI then the eighty deaths are in the hands of the

As I, Klaudia Hoxha (forensic technician), approached the crime scene at 4 o'clock pm at the residence of Josh Powell. As i approached the scene i noticed 4 reporting officers, and the fire fighters who put the fire out, were present at this two story single family dwelling. I approached the reporting officers and fire fighters and took copies of there reports. I then immendently, sent in my team to take pictures and any kind of evidence they can find. From the looks this residential seemed occupied. A fire expands horizontally and vertically from it's point of origin, which in this case is the center of the house. According to a report, i noticed a witness who was a member/ social worker from Powell's meeting groups ,gave a statement that

Why do you think the procedures are different from normal crime scenes to those involving fire and explosions? What benefits or challenges are there because of these different procedures?

Arson cases are hard to investigate sometimes. Sometimes things are too burnt down to figure out how a fire was started. In this case Joshua Powell burned down his home with his two sons inside of it. He had lost custody of his kids and was mentally unstable. Sine there was a CPS officer at the scene who witnessed the situation and smelled gas it will be an easy start for the arson investigators.

Arson investigators search for trace evidence such as accelerant odors, plants, or trailers left behind at the fire scene. Bombing Investigators search for physical evidence, explosive residue, bomb parts, or secondary devices left at the bombing scene. The investigators also search for video evidence from security cameras in the area. The fourth step in the investigative process is building the case.

Thousands of fires occur on a yearly basis throughout the United States. Whether it is forest fires, house fires, or any other event that involves uncontrollable flames, the outcome will always be the same; high amounts of destruction and physical damage. When fire emergencies occur, responding to the incident may not be much of a complication as apposed to determining the source from where the fire started or what triggered its behavior, which is truly the challenge. In order to do so, a fire investigator has to be present at the scene of the fire after it has been eliminated. The investigator, after reviewing any possible marks or behavior trails, will conclude if the incident was indeed an accident or intentional, thus making it an act

The first is the preservation of the crime scene. If the crime scene has not been secured and borders not set up this will result in the contamination or loss of physical evidence, which is crucial in a reconstruction. The second is an investigator is the use of inductive and deductive reasoning, not have any preconceived ideas) by using the facts of the case, in addition to photography, video, crime scene sketches, and other documentation to draw inference (M.U.S.E. (2), 2017)

The actions to take in this scenario will be to find evidence among the crowd of 100 onlookers. In some cases people in the crowd likes to videotape things that are happening in front of them so one of the onlookers could have videotaped something and probably did not know it. “Is there any reason someone would say they saw you at the scene prior to the fire?” (Tunkel, 2015). Instant videotaping of the onlookers will likewise arrange for a recording that will help with spectator in putting and watching standpoints and will also arrange for evidence if certain people will come onward with declarations that are not reliable with the substantiation or other witness statement. “I’ve heard several officers say that they would just confiscate the

When an explosive with a higher detonation velocity explodes it has a shattering effect, known as brisance (FAS Source). These explosives with higher brisance are commonly used by the military in conventional ordnance. The pushing effect of explosives is more commonly associated with dynamite or ammonium nitrate fuel oil. While still powerful explosives, they have a slower detonation velocity, which makes them better used for other tasks such as moving dirt (TM 9-blah).

With all of the different reasons for setting arson fires, as well as the large variance in profiles of arsonists, investigating them can be difficult. This difficulty is compounded by the amount of evidence than can be destroyed by the act of arson. Arson investigators must begin by trying to find the point of origin; a task that can be made very difficult by tossing aside the debris and damaged items while the fire is being fought (Swanson, et al. 2006). If arson is suspected, the point of origin can be a deciding factor in declaring a fire intentional, especially if the fire began in the center of the room

Arson comes in many forms such as juveniles vandalizing property, businesses trying to collect insurance money, and murderers covering up their crimes are just a few of the examples arson investigators deal

In this paper, I am going to describe each specialized personnel that will be needed at the scene of a crime or mass disaster. I will inform you of what duties each of these specialized individuals will possess. You will be able to know and understand each of these responsibilities.