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.

Importance of a Doctored Recordings Expert Witness

Introduction

In every case, the usual and the first protocol of investigation is usually using visual evidences. But for some cases, there are things that can only be solved through the use of others senses. And one of them is through the use of audio or recording investigation. For instance, in legal cases involving recordings and tapes that are believed to be manipulated or "doctored," an expert in this area may be summoned to provide his testimony.

Importance of a Doctored Recording Expert Witness

As our world progresses through time, not only does our technology get more and more sophisticated. But also, state-of-the-art gadgets are now affordable. For instance, more and more equipment and gadgets that make use of digital technology are now readily available to the public. While this has several positive effects and benefits, one cannot discount the possibility that sometimes, these gadgets can be used to harass, embarrass, or abuse other people.

One of the typical mis-uses of these gadgets come in the form of doctored recordings and tapes. Almost everyday, two parties get involved in civil and criminal cases that have something to do with these "doctored" tapes. Fortunately, with a professional whose expertise lies in determining whether or not the alleged "doctored" recordings are indeed manipulated, these legal cases can be solved.

How can a recording expert proceed?

First, he goes over the case to have full understanding of it. Then he conducts his investigation. There are different procedures involved in the investigation. But in most cases, these professionals use all their tools and knowledge (and even scan other related documents), to determine whether or not there is a discrepancy in the recording. Using advanced instruments, they can examine the consistency of the voice, the background noise, the presence of gaps, and other suspicious breaks in the recording. After thorough investigation, these professionals can tell whether the tapes are fake, tapped, or doctored.

In court, a recording expert can act as an expert witness by presenting his findings to assist in the decision. He prepares the required documents, and if needed, he takes the stand to give his expert opinion. Whatever he says can influence the outcome of a trial, so he has to be careful in whatever information he presents. He is expected to come up with a concrete, strong and unbiased decision and testimony that he can easily present and defend in a trial. He may also be questioned by cross-examining lawyers, so he has to be prepared before he takes the stand.

Importance of Expert Witness Testimony in an Arson Case

What is an Arson Investigation Expert Witness?

Expert witness testimony is very important in an arson case. It is the basis of all other evidence in a trial. A lot of fire and arson investigators begin as firefighters or police officers. A fire investigator aims to be qualified as an expert witness, meaning s/he is an authority in the case because s/he was able to gather enough knowledge and evidence to testify at trial. These experts should have a strong knowledge which extends beyond the dynamic of fires. They must also be well-informed about its construction, engineering.

Importance of an Arson Case Specialist

As a specialist, the investigator is capable of influencing an arson trial by her/his testimony better than any other witness. Effectively presenting expert testimony entails careful preparation. An authority in arson investigation must have more than technical skill and experience in this line of work. S/he must be able to uncover a fire's cause and origin, if any criminal activity was involved, and what evidence is present at the scene. The true measure of an expert witness is being able to present convincing evidence at trial. More than just exposing the cause and origin of the fire, expert testimony must direct the jurors' attention to critical evidence and develop the theory of the case. It should be properly presented so that it establishes credibility of the case.

The rules of evidence include a definition of an expert witness. As an authority, the witness must be qualified in terms of knowledge, skill, experience, training or education. Also, the testimony of this specialist must include subject which is beyond the scope of understanding of ordinary people such as members of the jury.

"Expert witness" is a term which may sometimes be misconstrued. To be qualified as a specialist by court does not mean the witness is an infallible authority in the field. Special knowledge or understanding in the field is what the witness should possess. As a matter of fact, actual experience in fire and / or arson investigation is more important than formal education.

Before qualifying as an arson case expert specialist, a fire and arson investigator must go through an intimidating qualification process. S/he will face questioning about her/his educational background, employment history, training, experience, and almost every bit of his background as an investigator. Most investigators who go through this would wish s/he had a higher rank, better education and more experience and for a first-timer, this can truly be a humbling experience.