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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Arson Investigation
Course: FSC290AA

First Term: 2009 Spring
 Lecture   1 Credit(s)   1 Period(s)   1 Load  
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S


Description: Investigative techniques used in analyzing suspected arson scenes, motives, and collection of physical evidence



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe the elements of arson. (I) 2. Describe the methods to prove arson. (II) 3. Describe the motives for arson. (III) 4. Describe investigative techniques during a fire. (IV) 5. Describe investigative techniques after a fire. (IV)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Arson
   A. Definition
      1. Burning
      2. Inhabited dwelling
      3. Malice
II. Methods of proof
   A. Corpus delicti
   B. Other evidence
III. Motives for arson
   A. Economic gain
   B. Concealment of a crime
   C. Punitive measure
   D. Intimidation
   E. Pyromania
IV. Investigation techniques
   A. During a fire
      1. Smoke and vapors
      2. Color of flame
      3. Size of fire
      4. Direction of travel
      5. Odors
   B. After a fire
      1. Order of searching
      2. Locating point of origin
      3. Traces of accelerants
      4. Altered protective devices
 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date:  6/24/2008

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.