Scope
Every structural fire at Department facilities will be reviewed. Other fires of a significant magnitude will also be reviewed. Factors which indicate a "significant magnitude" are economic loss, suspicious in nature, or fires which are extraordinary. Wildfires are exempted from this policy, as the Division of Forestry exerts its jurisdiction over them.
Procedure
Law Enforcement Division Facilities
The Division Situation Investigation Team will respond to all fires within the scope of this policy at the respective divisions facilities. Notification of the fire shall be given to the SIT through division-established SIT procedures, which shall not impose undue delay. The radio room shall notify the Department Law Enforcement Administrator.
Non-Law Enforcement Division Facilities
Fires within the scope of this policy shall be reported to the radio dispatcher, who will notify the Department Law Enforcement Administrator and dispatch an individual from a list of officers submitted by the law enforcement divisions. These officers shall have training and experience in investigations and possess the same or similar qualifications as members of the divisions SIT.
Reports
Report of Investigation shall be prepared for each fire that is investigated. In addition to standard investigative information, the report will address reasons for the fire, negligence, and suggestions for how to prevent similar fires.
The Report will be submitted to the Chief or Chief's designee of the affected division for appropriate action.
The Chief or Chiefs designee will submit to his/her Deputy Director and the Department Law Enforcement Administrator the findings of the Report and how the investigation was closed.
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