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MANUAL FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF AUTOMOBILE FIRES

NCJ Number
14532
Author(s)
ANON
Date Published
1970
Length
54 pages
Annotation
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF SUSPECTED ARSON IN CONNECTION WITH AUTOMOBILE FIRES, INCLUDING SUGGESTED PROCEDURES AND SPECIFIC METHODS.
Abstract
THIS MANUAL INCLUDES SUGGESTED PROCEDURES FOR INSURANCE ADJUSTERS AND CLAIMS PERSONNEL, INCLUDING INVESTIGATIVE STEPS SUCH AS DETERMINING INSURANCE COVERAGE OF THE VEHICLE, CHECKING THE VEHICLE AND THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY FOR SUSPICIOUS FACTORS, AND SEARCHING FOR WITNESSES. SUGGESTED PROCEDURES FOR INVESTIGATING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ARE ALSO PROVIDED. FIVE PHASES FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF A BURNED VEHICLE ARE LISTED, AND INCLUDE THE EXTERIOR, THE INTERIOR, THE MECHANICAL CONDITION OF THE AUTOMOBILE, A FUEL SYSTEM EXAMINATION, AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. RESULTS OF TESTS CONDUCTED WHERE ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO BURN CARS AT THE POINTS USUALLY BLAMED AS BEING THE ORIGIN OF REPORTED FIRES, SUCH AS SHORTS, GASOLINE ON THE ENGINE, OR BURNING SEAT COVERS ARE ALSO REPORTED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)