Hooton, David B. Seeking the truth: is it that simple? National Fire & Arson Report. Vol 15 No 2 (June 1997). p 1-3.

Abstract: This article discusses the ethics that a fire investigator should consider when undertaking a fire investigation. It covers the various levels of "truth" that must be addressed, based on whether you are attempting to define truth in relation to one of five levels listed in the author's "truth table:" law, text, training, opposition or jury.

The author also discusses how truth can change as perceptions change and as the investigator has new experiences or new information becomes available. Another influencing factor is that of frame of reference that can be different from one individual to another.

David B. Hooten, Ed.D., CFI, is the owner of Spectrum Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in performance development , best practice identification and organizational design. His Masters and Doctorate were earned t Vanderbilt University in the field of Human Resource Development. He has extensive experience in the fire investigations field and has consulted with numerous organizations. He is a principal on the NFPA 1033 committee an serves as the Chair of the International Certified Investigator Committee for the International Association of Arson Investigators. He has conducted numerous workshops and seminars on performance development, using NFPA 921 (Guide to Fire and Explosion Investigations) as a performance tool, identifying critical issues in the field of fire investigations, developing SIU (Special Investigations Units) teams, designing best practices , and ethical issues management. (National Fire and Arson Report profile)