Arson Investigator

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows: 

• Conduct fire and explosion scene examinations including scenes involving serious injury and death. 
• Conduct fire and explosion scene documentation (i.e. photos, sketches, diagrams, field notes). 
• Coordinate resources between federal, state, and local agencies and insurance organizations. 
• Conduct interpretation and analysis of burn patterns and blast damage. 
• Conduct evidence collection of fire/explosion scenes and properly handle and submit evidence (i.e. fire debris, tool marks, DNA, fingerprints, shoeprints, and documents). 
• Locate and interview suspects and witnesses. 
• Prepare written reports and documents. 
• Establish evidence as to the motive, means, and opportunity to develop suspects in arson cases. 
• Serve arrest and search warrants upon the establishment of probable cause. 
• Testify as an expert witness in criminal and civil legal proceedings (i.e. probable cause hearings and affidavits, pre-trial hearings, trial, appeal hearings).  
• Provide technical assistance to prosecutors or attorneys during fire/explosion trial preparation and trial proceedings. 
• Conduct public information presentations and meetings with fire and police departments. 
• Conduct training for fire and police departments in scene and evidence preservation and fire and explosion investigative methodology.    
• Investigate fireworks incidents and enforces state fireworks laws. 

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.  

What You'll Need for Success:

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment: 

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE).   
• Valid Indiana Driver’s license. 
• Specialized knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and rules of evidence as they apply to arson investigation, criminal investigation, and expert testimony. 
• Specialized knowledge of fire investigation methodology, fire science, chemistry, physics, evidence collection methods. 
• Specialized knowledge of National Fire Protection Association documents associated with fire investigation. 
• Considerable knowledge of, and ability to apply, methods, techniques, and procedures of criminal investigations. 
• Knowledge of, and ability to perform, operate specialized investigator equipment such as scene documentation equipment and evidence collection equipment. 
• Ability to use the scientific method to analyze data and information to form scientifically valid conclusions. 
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to comply with all section and agency policies and procedures.   
• Ability to use hand tools and evidence collection supplies. 
• Ability to use computer equipment, software, and office equipment.  
• Must be able to travel including trips which may require more than one day in length. 
• Be subject to call out every other week except during approved/assigned vacation, compensatory time, sick leave, or other exigent circumstances.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

You must satisfy the following requirements to continue employment:

• Successfully complete the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Basic Course within one year of hire date. 
• Complete annual mandatory law enforcement training Inservice to retain law enforcement status. 
• Maintain mandatory fire and explosion investigation continuing education to maintain Certified Fire Investigator status. 
• Successfully qualify annually with a passing score with agency issued firearms. 
• Obtain the International Association of Arson Investigators Certified Fire Investigator certification within 6 years of hire.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports: