Qualifications to Be a Fire Investigation Expert Witness

Introduction

Before fire incidents are ruled out as arson (or the criminal act of burning something intentionally), they are subject to strict and thorough investigation. This is to make sure that all angles and possible aspects of the incident are considered before the court makes a sound decision. So to carry on with the investigation, a fire investigation expert is called in to look at the case.

Why investigate?

Fire is one of the most damaging disasters that people can experience. When a building, an establishment, or a structure catches fire, almost everything is ruined. So sometimes, some people intentionally set their properties on fire in their attempt to manipulate their insurance coverage or to simply sweep out important documents. Therefore, the expertise of a fire investigation authority is needed to know whether or not a fire incident was planned.

Qualifications to be a Reliable Fire Investigation Expert Witness

A fire investigation professional's testimony is the cornerstone of fire cases. It serves as the framework for all other evidences. So to make sure that their testimony is admissible in court, fire investigation experts do their homework and gather information to be credible and factual. But before a fire investigation specialist can be allowed to give his testimony, he must comply with the strict rules and standards of the court.

What should the qualifications of a fire investigation expert be?

First, these expert witnesses must have undergone years of training and education in their field. They must have an above-average knowledge, wisdom, and real life experiences to be qualified. Most of the time these, professional witnesses are former firemen and former members of rescue teams. They are usually seasoned and have experienced almost all possible situations of fire cases.

To prove what they say they are, these professionals are subject to investigation themselves. Their educational background, certificates, professional accreditation, and membership or affiliation in a professional organization will be questioned and verified.

Next, these experts must know the rules of the state on arson, fire, and things related. In addition to that, they must know how the legal system works, to know what kind of documents needed to be prepared.

But aside from those, a professional wanting to be an expert witness must be able to handle the demands of the court. After all, the true measure of an expert fire investigator is more than the technical skill and experience in the field, which enable the investigator to determine a fire's cause and origin. The ability to effectively and convincingly testify at trial is the true measure of an "expert" witness.