 ATF Canine Accelerant Detection
Program Resources
(Attachment 2)
by
BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS
U.S. TREASURY DEPARTMENT
The Canine Accelerant Detection Program (CADP) offers a full range of
ATF resources to the law enforcement community. Arson has been characterized
as America's fastest growing crime. Officials entrusted with protecting
the lives and property of our citizens should therefore use every available
tool to address this National epidemic. ATF is proud to have the following
resources available for Federal, State, local, and foreign law enforcement
agencies:
ATF National Forensic Laboratories
ATF's laboratory system is composed of the National Laboratory Center
(NLC) in Rockville, Maryland, and the regional laboratories in Atlanta,
Georgia, and San Francisco, California. The NLC is the second-oldest Federal
laboratory in the United States and holds the distinction of being the first
Federal laboratory system accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory
Directors (ASCLD).
These multi-disciplined laboratories support the Bureau's arson, explosives,
firearms, alcohol, and tobacco programs. The laboratories examine arson
debris to detect accelerants and conduct firearms, toolmark, and ballistic
examinations for ATF and other Federal, State, and local law enforcement
agencies. Additionally, the laboratories provide onsite technical assistance
and advice, and furnish expert testimony in court proceedings relating to
laboratory examinations.
Certified Fire Investigators
ATF has a cadre of Certified Fire Investigators (CFI) stationed throughout
the United States. These agents are the only investigators trained by a
Federal law enforcement agency to qualify as expert witnesses in fire cause
determinations.
These origin and cause specialists have recently been introduced to the
intricacies of computer fire modeling. Through computer software programs,
these agents can utilize mathematical equations that, in certain situations,
can describe the chemical and physical behavior of fire.
Financial Audit Support
One of the most significant phases of an arson investigation is the financial
analysis conducted by auditors assigned to ATF's Audit Services Division.
Approximately 30 auditors nationwide work in conjunction with ATF special
agents to provide their specialized expertise in examining the full range
of financial documents that are unique to each criminal investigation.
This allows the auditor to accurately determine the financial condition
of the business prior to and at the time of the fire. Based on data gathered
by the ATF special agent, the auditor will review existing records to provide
analysis of financial statements, bank deposit and withdrawal methods, cash-flow,
sworn statements in proof of loss, and other considerations.
The auditors assist special agents in reconstructing financial documents
that were destroyed by an arson fire in order to locate pertinent records.
This vital support consistently proves beneficial in the prosecution of
complex, circumstantial arson cases.
ATF Fire Protection Engineers
The ATF fire protection engineers (FPE) serve as the Bureau's experts
in the field of fire protection, and provide technical support and assistance
to the Bureau's special agents, certified fire investigators, and National
Response Teams (NRT). The FPE provides technical advice, support, and consultation
to the U.S. Attorney's Office in postfire scene reconstruction and analysis,
and testifies as an expert witness in the prosecution of criminal cases.
The FPE provides onsite technical investigative support relating to incidents
involving arson, as well as accidental fires resulting in loss of life or
significant property damage. The FPE uses professional engineering methods
and techniques to calculate, analyze, and reconstruct fire development in
buildings, and provides solutions to complex features and methods dealing
with postfire scene reconstruction, fire modeling, and fire investigation.
National Response Teams
ATF's National Response Team consists of four teams organized geographically
to cover the United States. Each team can respond in 24 hours to assist
Federal, State, and local law enforcement and fire service personnel in
onsite fire and explosives investigations. This specialized response capability
is the only one of its kind offered by a Federal law enforcement agency.
The teams are comprised of veteran special agents having postblast and
fire origin and cause expertise, forensic chemists, explosives technology
experts, and fire protection engineers. Further complementing the NRT's
efforts are technical, legal, and intelligence advisors, ATF trained canines,
and CFIs.
Explosives Technology Support
Within ATF is a cadre of personnel who have a unique capability. These
individuals offer unequaled technical expertise in the explosives and bomb
disposal fields and have an average of over 25 years' experience. They
construct facsimiles of explosive and incendiary devices, render destructive
device determinations for court purposes, provide expert analysis of intact
and functioned explosive/incendiary devices, and provide onsite investigative
technical assistance at bombing or arson scenes. They keep ATF abreast
of the latest technology related to explosives and incendiary devices and
materials. In addition, they provide instruction for Federal, State, local,
and foreign law enforcement officers.
National Arson and Explosives Repository
The National Arson and Explosives Repository
is a comprehensive database of reported information on incidents involving
arson and suspected criminal misuse of explosives. In addition, future
enhancements will include an extensive reference library available for research
and comparison. The National Repository is a coordinated effort by Federal,
State, and local agencies and it is managed by ATF.
National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime
Since 1986, ATF has maintained a joint program with the FBI at the Profiling
and Behavioral Assessment Unit (PBAU) of the National Center for the Analysis
of Violent Crime (NCAVC) in Quantico, Virginia. Within the PBAU is the
Weapons of Mass Destruction/Arson (WMDA) subunit, which includes an ATF
arson profiler and an explosives profiler.
The primary WMDA mission is to develop profiles of unidentified offenders
through a detailed analysis of violent crimes and aberrant behavior relating
to arson and explosives violations. The WMDA is responsible for assisting
in investigations of arson fires, bombings, acts of terrorism, computer
intrusions, and related crimes submitted to the NCAVC by Federal, State,
local, and foreign law enforcement agencies.
The WMDA profilers may be called upon to provide consultations relating
to criminal investigative analysis of arson and bombing offenses. These
consultations involve onsite crime scene assessments, interview and investigative
technique strategies, personality assessments, analysis of crime scene geography,
training programs, research interviews, and when applicable, courtroom testimony.
The ATF National Academy
ATF remains committed to the expansion of its mutual enforcement efforts
with State and local agencies through innovative training programs at its
National Academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)
in Glynco, Georgia. One such program is the Arson for Profit and Investigative
Techniques training program. This 2-week course is offered three times
annually at FLETC and was developed in conjunction with the International
Association of Arson Investigators, International Association of Chiefs
of Police, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the American Insurance
Association. The course was designed to enhance the professional skills
of those who have experience in the investigation of profit motivated arson
fires and other complex arson schemes. The training includes classroom
and practical exercises that teach interviewing, analytical techniques,
case management, and computer applications. The ATF National Academy also
offers State and local arson investigators training in courtroom testimony
in the Cause and Origin and Courtroom Techniques course. Training related
to explosives and firearms investigations is also available at the National
Academy.
Polygraph Section
The Polygraph Section consists of a group of experienced polygraph examiners
who are stationed throughout the United States to support ATF enforcement
operations. The section evaluates requests from the field for polygraph
assistance based on relevance, suitability, and legal authority, and when
appropriate, assists in arson, explosives, and firearms investigations.
 reprinted with permission
| 
