In the early 1980’s, many U.S. states were enacting Arson Immunity Laws.
Legislators recognized that most insurance fraud arson cases were built on circumstantial
evidence. They knew that this covert crime was typically committed under cover
of darkness using a carefully crafted scheme. To fight the crime, legislators
recognized that it was essential for public authorities to have access to information
in the files of insurance companies. Insurers also realized they must employ
the best investigative techniques available to do their job right.
Partnership is a buzzword that has been often heard in the past few years.
However, in the early 1980’s the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives (A.T.F.)
demonstrated great vision in initiating a true
partnership with the
International Association of Arson Investigators
(I.A.A.I.) by developing a training course that would benefit both criminal
law enforcement and the insurance industry. The creation of the Advanced Techniques
for the Insurance Industry course was a product of this partnership. This 5-day
training program is presented in Brunswick, Georgia by experts with Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and with specialists of the insurance industry.
Portions of the training are offered at the ATF National Academy on the campus of
the Federal Law Enforcement Training (FLETC) in nearby Glynco, Georgia. FLETC is
the part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is primary training facility
for approximately eighty-four (84) Federal law enforcement agencies.
A selection committee carefully screens students for this program. It remains
critical for the program to fully embrace the adult-based learning cycle as the
foundation for accomplishing its teaching goals. This five-day course is completely
interactive, so that classroom theory is taken through the cycle with a practical
application. This is highlighted by time spent at the ATF National Academy,
Fire Science Complex at FLETC for a live fire exercise and a practical exercise
of a complex arson fraud investigation that drives home the effective Case Management
strategies.
Click the links to learn more about the Advanced Arson Investigation Techniques
for the Insurance Industry
curriculum
and
schedule.