Db Ch 15

The statement suggests that a small number of arson cases result in arrests, and an even smaller percentage of those arrests lead to convictions. This implies that the statement is true, as it indicates that the majority of arson cases do not result in convictions.

The explanation for the correct answer "True" is that arson cases do not have an immediate corpus delecti, meaning there is no physical evidence or body to prove the crime. Therefore, it is the investigator's responsibility to gather evidence and establish that a fire did occur and that it was intentionally started.

In an arson case, circumstantial evidence refers to evidence that indirectly suggests the guilt of the accused. Establishing both motive and opportunity are important aspects of circumstantial evidence in such cases. Motive refers to the reason or intention behind committing the crime, while opportunity refers to the chance or ability to commit the crime. By proving both motive and opportunity, it strengthens the circumstantial evidence against the accused, making it more likely that they are guilty. Therefore, the statement that circumstantial evidence in an arson case includes an establishment of both motive and opportunity is true.

Arsons are only classified as fires that have been deliberately or maliciously set after a thorough investigation. Fires with suspicious or unknown origins are not included in this classification. Therefore, the statement that only fires determined through investigation to have been willfully or maliciously set are classified as arsons is true.

This statement suggests that pyromaniacs, individuals with a compulsive desire to set fire, have a link to sexual perversion and struggle to maintain healthy relationships with the opposite sex. The explanation implies that there is a correlation between pyromania and these factors, although it does not provide any evidence or further details to support this claim.

Arson is considered the most expensive crime when measured on a cost per incident basis. This is because arson involves intentionally setting fire to property, resulting in significant damage and financial loss. The costs associated with arson include property damage, loss of belongings, potential injuries or fatalities, firefighting efforts, insurance claims, and legal proceedings. These expenses can quickly add up, making arson the most costly crime per incident compared to other criminal activities.

Fire is a significant cause of death in the United States, and it claims more lives each year than all natural disasters combined. This statement highlights the severity of fire-related incidents and emphasizes the importance of fire safety measures and prevention strategies. It underscores the need for awareness, preparedness, and caution to minimize the risk of fire-related fatalities.

In an arson investigation, the first step should be to locate the point of origin for the fire. This is crucial because determining where the fire started can provide valuable information about how it was ignited and potentially identify any accelerants used. By identifying the point of origin, investigators can then proceed to gather evidence, analyze the scene, and uncover possible motives or suspects. Questioning witnesses and interviewing the owner's insurance representative may be important steps in the investigation, but they should come after locating the point of origin.

The statement is false because the longer a fire burns, the pattern of alligatoring does not become larger and less shallow. Alligatoring refers to the cracking and scaling of the surface of wood or paint due to intense heat. As a fire burns for a longer period, the wood or paint will continue to burn and deteriorate, causing the alligatoring pattern to become smaller and more shallow.

When the question of who started the fire is addressed, it becomes a law enforcement concern because determining the person responsible for starting the fire is crucial in order to hold them accountable and initiate legal actions against them. Identifying the perpetrator helps in investigating the motive behind the act, gathering evidence, and ensuring justice is served. Law enforcement agencies play a vital role in investigating such incidents and bringing the culprits to justice.

The statement suggests that only a limited number of fire departments have the legal power to conduct investigations into arson fires. This implies that not all fire departments have the authority to investigate such cases. Therefore, the answer is true.

Alligatoring refers to the pattern of crevices formed by the burning of a wooden structure. This term is used to describe the cracking and splitting of the surface of wood, resembling the skin of an alligator. It occurs when the wood is exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period of time, causing the surface to shrink and crack. Alligatoring is a common phenomenon in fire-damaged wooden structures and is often used as an indicator of the severity of the fire.

When searching for a bomb, it is important for investigators to look for anything that appears unusual. This is because bombs can be disguised in various ways and may not always resemble a typical explosive device. By being vigilant and looking for anything out of the ordinary, investigators can increase their chances of identifying and locating a potential bomb threat. This includes paying attention to suspicious packages, strange behavior, or any objects that seem out of place in the surrounding environment.

Hawala is the correct answer because it is a word that means "trust" and it refers to a fast and cost-effective method for the worldwide remittance of money or value. This method is especially useful for individuals who may be outside the reach of the traditional financial sector.

Insurance fraud is the motive for arson that accounts for 50 percent of all arsons. This occurs when individuals intentionally set fire to their property in order to collect insurance money. This motive is driven by financial gain and is a common reason behind many arson cases.

The investigation of fire is difficult because 80 percent of fire protection in the United States are volunteer departments trained to put fires out but not investigate. This means that there is a lack of trained professionals who specialize in fire investigation. Without proper training and expertise, it becomes challenging to determine the cause and origin of a fire.

If a room has a false or suspended ceiling, the fourth sweep involves this area. This implies that during the fourth sweep, attention is given to the false or suspended ceiling. The false or suspended ceiling is an important part of the room, and it is necessary to clean or inspect it during the fourth sweep.

Domestic terrorism is defined as "the unlawful use of force or violence, committed by a group of two or more individuals, against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives." This type of terrorism occurs within the borders of a particular country and involves individuals or groups who are motivated by political or social ideologies to carry out acts of violence or destruction. It is distinct from international terrorism, which involves acts committed by individuals or groups from one country against another.

Arson for profit is the correct answer because it states that approximately 50 percent of fire-related property damage in the United States is caused by intentionally setting fires for financial gain. This suggests that individuals deliberately start fires in order to collect insurance money or profit from the destruction of property. The other options, arson for revenge, vandalism, and crime concealment, may also contribute to fire-related property damage, but the given answer specifically highlights arson for profit as the primary cause.

The correct answer is hydrocarbon molecules. This is because gasoline, kerosene, turpentine, and diesel fuel are all organic compounds that contain mixtures of hydrocarbon molecules. Hydrocarbons are compounds composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms, and they are commonly found in fossil fuels such as petroleum.

The number and type of objects in the room should be considered when dividing the room into two equal parts while searching for a bomb. This is because certain objects may require more thorough inspection or specialized techniques to detect a bomb. By taking into account the number and type of objects, searchers can allocate their time and resources more effectively and increase the chances of finding the bomb.

Fire fighters who put out a suspicious fire are considered appropriate to investigate the fire's origin and detect the possibility of arson. This means that they are responsible for determining where and how the fire started and whether it was intentionally set. They play a crucial role in gathering evidence and information that can help in identifying any criminal activity related to the fire. However, investigating the crime of arson itself may involve other law enforcement agencies and specialists.

Blue-orange flames indicate burning alcohol because when alcohol burns, it produces a characteristic blue flame with hints of orange. This is due to the presence of carbon in alcohol, which burns with a blue flame, and the presence of impurities or other compounds that can cause the flame to have an orange tint. This color combination is a distinctive characteristic of alcohol combustion and can be used as physical evidence to identify the presence of burning alcohol in a fire.

Simple arson refers to the intentional act of setting fire to property that does not pose a threat to human life. This type of arson is considered less severe compared to aggravated arson, which involves setting fire to property with the intent to harm or endanger human life. Therefore, the correct answer is "Simple" as it aligns with the given definition of arson that does not create a risk to human life.

Black smoke is the correct answer because it is a common indicator of the burning of a petroleum base. When petroleum-based materials burn, they produce incomplete combustion, resulting in the release of black smoke. This is due to the presence of carbon particles and other impurities in the fuel. The color of the smoke can vary depending on the specific type of petroleum-based material being burned and the conditions of the fire.

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Arson is a low priority crime for many police departments and usually has low clearance rates. This means that arson cases are not given as much attention or resources compared to other crimes, and the likelihood of solving these cases and bringing the perpetrators to justice is relatively low.

Headspace gas chromatography is an advanced technique used for detecting accelerants in fire debris. It involves analyzing the vapor phase above a sample to identify and quantify volatile compounds. This method is particularly effective in identifying volatile substances that may have been used to start or accelerate a fire. By separating and analyzing the components of the vapor phase, headspace gas chromatography can provide valuable evidence in fire investigations. Alligatoring, "sniffer" dogs, and hydrochloric mastsensory are not related to the detection of accelerants in fire debris.

The estimated annual property losses related to arson are 5 billion dollars.

Alligatoring refers to the cracking and checking of paint or varnish that resembles the skin of an alligator. This phenomenon occurs due to various factors such as aging, weathering, or improper application. It is not influenced by the duration of exposure to fire. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Aggravated arson refers to the intentional act of setting fire to property while also posing a direct threat to human life or risking serious bodily harm. This term is used to distinguish cases where the act of arson is accompanied by additional factors that increase the severity of the crime. These factors could include the presence of people inside the property, the use of explosive devices, or the intent to cause harm or fear to others. Aggravated arson is considered a more serious offense compared to simple arson, as it involves a higher level of danger and potential harm to individuals.

White smoke is the correct answer because it indicates the burning of a vegetable base such as straw or hay. When organic materials like straw or hay burn, they produce white smoke due to the presence of water vapor and other combustion byproducts. This is different from black smoke, which is usually associated with the burning of petroleum-based products, and blue-orange or green-purple flames, which are generally indicative of the burning of certain chemicals or metals.

The given answer is 1,500. This suggests that there are around 1,500 automobiles burned each year for people to collect insurance on.

When a bomb is found, it is important to establish a "clear zone" to ensure the safety of individuals in the surrounding area. This clear zone should be at least 300 feet in radius, including the floors below and above the object. This distance is necessary to minimize the potential impact of the bomb and to protect people from the blast, shrapnel, and other potential hazards.

The examples given, gasoline, gunpowder, and alcohol, can all be considered "trailers" because they are substances that can be ignited or used to cause an explosion. These substances are commonly used in various industries and applications, such as fuel for vehicles (gasoline), propellant for firearms (gunpowder), and as a recreational beverage (alcohol).

The United States designates 250 individuals and entities as terrorists or terrorist supporters.

The correct answer is premeditated, politically motivated, violent, committed against noncombatant targets. Terrorism refers to acts of violence that are planned in advance, with the intention of promoting a political agenda. These acts are characterized by their violent nature, often targeting innocent civilians or noncombatants. Additionally, terrorism is typically carried out by individuals or groups based in foreign countries.

The typical pyromaniac is often described as a white male in his late teens. This demographic is commonly associated with individuals who exhibit a fascination and compulsion towards fire-setting. While it is important to note that not all pyromaniacs fit this description, studies have shown that this demographic is more prevalent among those diagnosed with pyromania. Other factors such as high intelligence and middle to high income level may also be present in some cases, but they are not as consistently associated with pyromaniacs as the demographic of white males in their late teens.

The recommendations for bomb searchers to follow are to listen with eyes closed when entering the room and to search first around room walls and then move to the center of the room. By listening with eyes closed, bomb searchers can focus on any unusual sounds or ticking noises that may indicate the presence of a bomb. Searching first around room walls is important as bombs are often hidden in corners or against walls. Moving to the center of the room afterwards ensures a thorough search of the entire area.

Arsonists are difficult to convict due to a lack of adequate training in fire investigation. Without proper training, investigators may struggle to gather sufficient evidence or properly analyze fire scenes, making it challenging to identify the cause or prove arson. Additionally, reluctance by prosecutors to file arson cases further hampers convictions. Prosecutors may be hesitant to pursue arson charges due to the complexity of fire investigations or a lack of resources. These factors combined contribute to the difficulty in convicting arsonists.

Juveniles are responsible for a high percentage of arsons for vandalism, with approximately 95% of these incidents being committed by them. This suggests that the majority of acts involving intentional fire-setting for the purpose of vandalism are carried out by individuals who are under the legal adult age. This statistic highlights the need for effective prevention and intervention strategies targeting juvenile fire-setters to address this issue and reduce the occurrence of such crimes.