Every fire investigator at some time in his or her career will have to qualify as an expert witness. The role of an expert witness is not only unique, but also carries a tremendous responsibility since someone’s liberty could be taken away for life based solely on the opinion of the fire investigator. More than any other witness, the fire investigator as expert witness has the ability to single-handedly influence the outcome of an arson trial by his or her testimony. Successfully presenting expert testimony is a challenge to the fire investigator. It requires thorough preparation and careful presentation at trial. The true measure of an expert fire investigator is more than the technical skill and experience in the field, which enable the investigator to determine a fire's cause and origin. The ability to effectively and convincingly testify at trial is the true measure of an "expert" witness.

The class has been approved the NC Fire & Rescue Commission, Arson Review Board towards NC-CFI.

E-mail sturner@townofclaytonnc.org to register.