Baltimore City Arson Investigations Policy Overview
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Baltimore City Arson Investigations Policy Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the term that should not be used to classify an incident in offense reports?

  • Accidental
  • Malicious Burning (correct)
  • Arson
  • Incendiary
  • What is the primary responsibility of the Fire Incident Board (FIB)?

  • To conduct criminal investigations
  • To charge individuals with arson
  • To maintain records of all fires (correct)
  • To control traffic at fire scenes
  • What category would NOT be assigned to a fire prior to a thorough investigation?

  • Incendiary
  • Accidental
  • Deliberate (correct)
  • Under Investigation
  • Who has complete control of a fire scene until an origin and cause investigation is performed?

    <p>The Fire Department</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT one of the required actions for a member at a fire scene?

    <p>Conducting a criminal investigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should the primary officer do during a preliminary investigation of a fire?

    <p>Obtain information about the fire's cause</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of fire investigations, who should a member of the Fire Incident Board consult with at the scene?

    <p>Fire Investigators</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors is NOT part of the victim information that should be collected?

    <p>Occupation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What basic reporting information is required for any type of fire incident?

    <p>Date, time, name of the discoverer, and location of the fire</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which piece of information is NOT required on the Incident Report if the fire is not declared incendiary?

    <p>Name of the Fire Investigator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the mandatory crime classification for a declared incendiary fire incident?

    <p>Arson, Attempted Arson, or Alarm of Fire</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be noted during a multi-alarm fire incident regarding the responding fire apparatus?

    <p>Only the first responding fire apparatus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done if a fire is incidental to a burglary, theft, or robbery?

    <p>List the value of property taken separately from the fire damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of classification must be included in the Incident Report for property affected by the fire?

    <p>Property Classification: Residential, Commercial, Vehicle, or Storage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT part of the basic reporting information for a fire incident?

    <p>Estimated value of property damaged</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is responsible for determining the cause of a fire in an incendiary incident?

    <p>The on-scene Fire Chief or Fire Investigator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one reason a police officer can arrest a person without a warrant regarding malicious burning?

    <p>Immediate arrest prevents destruction of evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a condition under which a police officer can arrest someone for malicious burning?

    <p>The individual has committed a minor offense.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done if a vehicle with fire damage is recovered and listed as stolen?

    <p>Notify the Arson Unit via Communications Section.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who has the authority to request the response of the Arson and Explosives Unit to a fire scene?

    <p>BPD Command Officers, Captain or above.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first action for supervisors at fire scenes?

    <p>Respond to all fire scenes in their sector.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must the FIB investigator assess regarding the Police Arson and Explosives Unit's scene response?

    <p>Their discretion on scene response, except for vehicle fires.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the requirement after all field reports are submitted by a subordinate?

    <p>They must be checked for accuracy and completeness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action is specifically mentioned regarding the handling of a recovered stolen auto report?

    <p>A separate fire report must also be written.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first action to take upon arrival at a fire scene that has been extinguished?

    <p>Contact the Fire Department via Communications Section</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done if witnesses are located at the fire scene?

    <p>Have them standby until the arrival of the Police Arson Investigator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which situation should a police officer respond to a medical facility at a fire scene?

    <p>If injuries are sustained as a result of the fire</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When should the Crime Scene Unit be ordered to process the fire scene?

    <p>Only after consulting with an Arson Unit detective</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done with a person whom there is probable cause to believe has committed a fire-related offense?

    <p>Take them into custody for further investigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following policies guides officers in making warrantless arrests related to fire offenses?

    <p>Policy 1112, Field Interviews and Investigative Stops</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What information should be gathered about displaced persons due to a fire?

    <p>Their names, addresses, and reachable phone numbers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary responsibility of the Fire Department at a fire scene?

    <p>Assure all fires are properly extinguished and investigated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of fire is NOT investigated by the Arson and Explosives Unit?

    <p>Simple Residential Fire</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What categorizes a fire as a multiple alarm fire?

    <p>A fire that reaches a status of four alarms or more</p> Signup and view all the answers

    For what purpose does the Arson and Explosives Unit respond to fires involving hate-bias?

    <p>To ensure thorough investigation as outlined in Policy 815</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of fire requires immediate assistance from the Arson and Explosives Unit?

    <p>All fatal fires</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which situation would the Arson and Explosives Unit NOT automatically respond?

    <p>Fires reported without injury</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the contact method after hours to reach the Arson and Explosives Unit?

    <p>Contact the Communication Unit for on-call detective</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following incidents does the Arson and Explosives Unit automatically investigate?

    <p>All fatal fires</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of incidents involving explosives does the Arson and Explosives Unit respond to?

    <p>Any incidents where explosives are found detonated or intact</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Baltimore City Arson Investigations Policy Overview

    • Classification of Incidents: Do not categorize incidents as Malicious Burning; instead, label as Arson. Malicious Burning is for charging only.
    • Responsibilities: The Baltimore City Fire Department maintains fire records and assesses the origin and cause of fires. They notify the Arson and Explosives Unit for criminal investigations.

    Fire Investigation Categories

    • Fires are categorized as:
      • Accidental
      • Incendiary
      • Not fully ascertained
      • Under investigation

    Required Actions for Members

    • Support Fire Operations: Assist firefighters and prevent any interference with their duties.
    • Crowd and Traffic Control: Manage the scene, ensuring public safety and access routes are clear.
    • Scene Protection: Preserve the fire scene as a potential crime scene, following directives from FIB or Arson Unit investigators.

    Preliminary Investigation Responsibilities

    • Information Gathering: Investigate the fire's nature (accidental or incendiary) and gather victim data.
    • Incident Report Requirements: Complete the Incident Report (Form 04/008) with:
      • Date and time
      • Discoverer's details
      • Location specifics
      • Property ownership and occupancy information

    Additional Reporting for Incendiary Incidents

    • Mandatory Information: For incendiary classifications, report must include:
      • Crime classification (e.g., Arson, Attempted Arson)
      • Name of the investigator determining the cause
      • Property classification
      • Estimated value of damages

    Arriving at Fire Scenes

    • Communication: Contact the Fire Department if occupants extinguish a fire; they ensure proper investigation.
    • Witness Canvassing: Look for witnesses and hold their information for the Arson Investigator.

    Victim and Evidence Management

    • Injury Reporting: For fire-related injuries, officers should interview victims at medical facilities.
    • Crime Scene Processing: Consult with Arson Unit prior to ordering evidence processing by Crime Scene Unit.

    Arrest Procedures

    • Warrantless Arrests: Officers may arrest suspected individuals committing fire-related felonies or misdemeanors without a warrant if immediate action is necessary.

    Special Circumstances

    • Multi-alarm Fires: Key details are only needed for the first responding fire apparatus.
    • Evidence Collection: Required for vehicles with fire damage; coordinate with the Arson Unit for recovery if stolen.

    Arson and Explosives Unit Protocol

    • Investigation Authority: The FIB can request the Arson and Explosives Unit for investigations of severe incidents, with specific incidents designated for automatic responses, such as multiple alarm or fatal fires.

    Supervisor Responsibilities

    • Scene Oversight: Regularly respond to fire scenes for guidance and report accuracy.
    • Document Submission: Ensure fire-related offense reports reach the Arson and Explosives Unit.

    Special Investigatory Situations

    • Respond to incidents involving:
      • Minimum four-alarm fires
      • Hate-bias crimes
      • Fires at religious institutions, hospitals, or large commercial entities
      • Bomb incidents with explosives detected.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the policies and procedures regarding the classification and investigation of arson incidents in Baltimore City. It outlines the responsibilities of the Fire Department and essential actions for members to support fire operations and ensure public safety at fire scenes. Test your understanding of fire incident categories and initial investigation duties.

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