ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses two areas that require a high degree of specialization: arson and explosives investigations. Arson is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. It remains very costly in both economic and human terms. Motives for arson vary from an intent to murder the occupants to doing it just “for kicks.” Arson may alternatively be prompted by more personal aggression, such as a wish to mete out punishment or revenge, or to express racial or social hatred. Some commit arson to bolster their self-esteem. Some arsonists wish to draw attention to some disadvantage they suffer, such as unemployment, or may wish to destroy evidence of some other crime such as theft or even murder. Arson and explosives investigation are specialized types of investigations that will usually necessitate the assistance of a fire marshal or a federal investigator from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
