What is the "layer-checking" technique, and how can it assist in determining the cause and origin of a fire?

What will be an ideal response?


During investigation, it should be borne in mind that a fire always has two causes: a source of heat and material ignited. In checking for the fire cause at the point of origin, it is usually an advantage to use the layer-checking technique. Before any material is moved or shoveled out, the investigator should make notes and carefully examine the strata while working through to the floor. These layers often contain wood ash, plaster, melted aluminum, window glass, charred drapery fabric, and charred newspapers. They may give a picture of the sequence of burning. If, for example, charred newspapers were found beneath charred drapery fabric, this could indicate a set fire, particularly if papers would not usually be in the area or if they were of different types of dates. Aluminum and similar alloys melt fairly early in a fire (at about 1,150°F), often splash or run over other material near floor level, solidify, and protect the material from further damage. Draperies and heavy curtains may burn free and drop on flammable liquid, preventing it from being completely consumed, especially if the liquid is heavy or not particularly volatile.

Criminal Justice

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How does an arson or a fire investigation begin?

a. Determining burn patterns b. Collecting dry evidence c. Collecting wet evidence d. Determining point of origin

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Police records must be:

A) Retained a long time B) Held confidentially C) Readily Available D) all of the above

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An EBP implies that ____________________

a. one outcome is desired over others b. practices are measurable c. practices are defined according to practical realities d. All of the above

Criminal Justice

The refusal of a court of last resort to hear an appeal over a lower appellate court's ruling is the same as ________ the decision

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Criminal Justice