date 9-22-08
fire in a lawyers office
main st, ridgefield ct
art work was smashed
chairs, papers, and curtains started a fire ( match started it)
building is empty over night
.5 miles from downtown district
1st fire in a chain from arsonist
left a law book on the porch
what are the 1st 10 investigative steps?
When investigating an incident like a fire in a lawyer's office, here are the first 10 steps that investigators might typically take:
1. Secure the Scene: The first step is to make sure the area is safe. This may involve contacting the local authorities and ensuring that any potential hazards, such as active fires or unstable structures, are addressed.
2. Document the Scene: Investigators would document the scene thoroughly by taking photographs and making detailed notes. This step serves as a record of the initial condition of the scene before any evidence is disturbed.
3. Interview Witnesses: Talk to individuals who might have witnessed the incident. In this case, anyone who saw the fire or noticed suspicious activities in the area would be valuable sources of information.
4. Collect Physical Evidence: Identify any potential evidence related to the fire, such as materials used to start it, remnants of artwork that were damaged, or any items left behind by the arsonist like the law book on the porch. Properly collect and package each piece of evidence to avoid contamination.
5. Conduct Forensic Analysis: Analyze the collected evidence in a controlled environment. This may involve testing for accelerants used to start the fire, examining the smashed artwork for fingerprints or DNA, or analyzing the law book for any identifiable markings.
6. Review Surveillance Footage: Check for any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses or residences. The footage may reveal potential suspects or vehicles leaving the scene.
7. Establish a Timeline: Create a detailed timeline of events leading up to the fire. This should include information about when the building was last occupied, any reports of suspicious activity, or any unusual occurrences in the days preceding the incident.
8. Investigate the Fire's Origin and Cause: Determine the point of origin and the cause of the fire. This often involves analyzing burn patterns, examining the area of first ignition, and considering potential factors like the match that started it, the condition of the furniture, papers, and curtains, and any electrical or heating systems that may have played a role.
9. Analyze Financial and Legal Records: Investigate the lawyer's background and financial records. Look for any potential motives, disputes, or connections that could be relevant to the fire. Also, review any legal cases the lawyer was involved in, as they might provide leads.
10. Collaborate with Local Authorities: Share all gathered information with the local authorities, such as the police or fire department. Collaborate with them to combine efforts, share findings, and work together towards solving the crime.
These initial investigative steps provide a foundation for collecting evidence and building a deeper understanding of the incident, aiding the subsequent investigation.