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Investigator Courses


Fire Investigation Courses and Fees

Fire Investigation Series:


Fire Protection Systems I
Building Construction
Fire Chemistry
Fire Investigation: Origin and Cause
Latent Investigations
Arson Investigation
Post Blast Investigations
Legal Issues
Fire Scene Photography

Note:   The Department of Education Statewide Course Numbering System uses the FFP prefix to indicate thoses courses within the Fire Science Curriculum. The first number indicates the level, either Freshman (1) or Sophomore (2), and the last three numbers indicate the course topic. Due to the variety of courses offered through out the state it should be noted that courses with the same last three numbers are the same course, contain the same course content and contact hours regardless of the first leveling number.

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FIRE INVESTIGATION SERIES

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that the student take all of the required classes in their order as shown on the Programs of Study page. Some deviations of course subject material may be required to schedule structure and vehicle burning for the practical exercises. It is suggested that the student bring suitable clothing for outdoor practical fire scene investigations and demonstrations.

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FIRE CHEMISTRY

FFP 2111 (40 contact hours, 0 college credits, Class Size: 15 Min, 25 Max)

Textbook: Chemistry of Hazardous Materials

Course Fee: $60.00 payable to Florida Department of Financial Services

This course is designed to give the basic chemistry of hazardous materials, features of matter and energy, forms of matter including chemical formulas of some flammable and combustible substances and the nature of chemical bonding. Principals of chemical reactions related to fire and oxidation and the chemistry of fire. Subject material also includes chemistry of common elements and corrosive materials. Particular emphasis is placed on the specific substances that are found in fires that ignite and accelerate burning.

NOTE: This course may require work to be done prior to and /or following attendance at the course. Students will be notified prior to the class.
Part of Fire Investigator I, Fire Officer II, and Fire Inspector II.

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PDFCourse and Dormitory Registration Form

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FIRE INVESTIGATION:     ORIGIN AND CAUSE

FFP 2610 (40 contact hours, 3 college credits, Class Size: 15 Min, 25 Max)

Textbook: Kirks Fire Investigation

Course Fee: $60.00 payable to Florida Department of Financial Services

The curriculum in this course is designed to enhance the fire investigators ability to detect and determinate the origin and cause of a fire. Specific topics include fire behavior review, investigator ethics, construction, ignition sources, reading fire patterns and scene reconstruction. Special topics on electrical fire investigation, woodland fires, vehicle fires, mobile home fires, RV & boat & ship fires. Additional topics include special emphasis on fire scene documentation and extinguishing/alert systems.

NOTE: This course may require work to be done prior to and /or following attendance at the course. Students will be notified prior to the class.
Students are required to have hard hat, protective boots and gloves.
Part of Fire Investigator I and Fire Inspector II.

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PDFCourse and Dormitory Registration Form

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LATENT INVESTIGATIONS

FFP 2630 (40 contact hours, 3 college credits, Class Size: 15 Min, 25 Max)

Textbook: Kirks Fire Investigation

Course Fee: $60.00 payable to Florida Department of Financial Services

Course includes a review of chemistry of hazardous materials, types of explosives and their investigation, fire death/injury investigation, laboratory services and evidence handling, fire scene safety, investigation follow-up, sources of information. Additional subjects covered include civil and criminal investigations, motives, arson for profit, and various arson sets and devices.

NOTE: This course may require work to be done prior to and /or following attendance at the course. Students will be notified prior to the class.
Prerequisite: State Certificate of Compliance, Fire Inspector Certification, or Certified Police Officer.
Part of Fire Investigator II.

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Image of a Burned Car

ARSON INVESTIGATION

FSFC 407 (40 contact hours, 0 college credits, Class Size: 15 Min, 25 Max)

Textbook: NFPA 921 Current Ed.

Course Fee: $60.00 payable to Florida Department of Financial Services

This course stresses effective crime scene work relative to fire investigation. Evidence preservation and collection, scene documentation, and investigator safety are main topics.

NOTE: Prerequisite: FFP 2243 - Latent Investigation, and a State Certificate of Compliance, Fire Inspector Certification, or Certified Police Officer.
Students are required to have hard hat, protective boots and gloves.
Part of Fire Investigator II.

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POST BLAST INVESTIGATIONS

FSFC 406 (40 contact hours, 0 college credits, Class Size: 15 Min, 20 Max)

Textbook: FBI Post-Blast Investigator Manual

Course Fee: $60.00 payable to Florida Department of Financial Services

This course, following the model curriculum of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, covers crime scene procedures, laboratory procedures, chemical and physical components, and legal issues relative to bombing incidents.

NOTE: This course is limited to certified investigators.
Part of Fire Investigator II.

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LEGAL ISSUES FOR INVESTIGATORS

FFP 2670 (40 contact hours, 0 college credits, Class Size: 15 Min, 25 Max)

Textbook: FSFC Handbook

Course Fee: $60.00 payable to Florida Department of Financial Services

The curriculum includes a study and understanding of arson and related state statutes, search and seizure guidelines for the fire investigator that include case studies of several applicable supreme court rulings, criminal and/or civil case preparation, courtroom practices and procedures and the qualifications of being an expert witness. An in depth study on the techniques of interviewing and interrogation. Student participation in mock trial scenarios and expert witness qualification. This week is the finale to the four week series and material from each of the other weeks are summarized into putting everything together to culminate a successful arson investigation.

NOTE: Prerequisite: FFP 2243 - Latent Investigation, and a State Certificate of Compliance, Fire Inspector Certification, or Certified Police Officer.
Part of Fire Investigator II.

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PDFCourse and Dormitory Registration Form

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FIRE SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

FSFC 404 (40 contact hours, 0 college credits, class size: 8 minimum, 20 maximum)

Textbook: Practical Method of Forensic Photography

Course Fee: $95.00 payable to Florida Department of Financial Services (The registration fee includes a lab fee)

An introductory course in photography, it will cover camera parts and operation, properties of film, photographic composition and lighting. Particular emphasis will be placed on using photography to properly document a fire/crime scene. In addition, students will be exposed to other uses for photography including training, public education, and public information. Students must provide their own 35mm camera with adjustable lens and a digital still camera (if available) as there will be a significant portion of the class devoted to digital imaging. Students should bring equipment they typically carry for fire scene safety (helmets, gloves, boots etc...)

NOTE: Film and processing are provided.

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