Arson Investigation Unit4 - Discussion Board 4

The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.

At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Wednesday of each week. Two additional responses are required after Wednesday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.

The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.

You and your partner are investigating an explosive suspicious fire in a two-story, four-car garage that is the headquarters for The Novandon Pool Cleaning Company in Sunshine City, Florida. Upon arrival, you are met by the battalion chief from the fire department, who tells you that the fire is out and the investigation can begin. There are a lot of chemicals in the facility, and a rescue, recovery, and decontamination unit will be on the scene during your investigation.

The battalion chief believes that there was a primary explosive fire in the back of the building, and one followed in the front. He suspects arson. While talking to the battalion chief, a detective arrives and says that there is a hefty insurance policy that just was taken on the building by the pool service owner and that the business has been going downhill because the pool service was lousy. The owner is sitting on a bench with his head in his hands and tells you he is going to stick around to hear the outcome of the arson scene search.

• Concerning the chemicals in the scene, what might be considered necessary equipment for use in the scene and following the scene?
• What issues do you think would be most significant? Why?
• When interviewing the owner of the warehouse, what specific threats might you ask him about? Why?
• What action do you think should be taken following the interview? Explain.

4–5 paragraphs