HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 12151998 - C155 80ARD M SUPERVISORS "
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Keith B. Richter, Fire Chief �` .�,,,�� "' Caftc
DATE 1. December 15, 1998 ostaCO^
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Revised Authorization in Weapons Policy
SP=I;1C REcMaT(s) OR M=MM;ZATION(s) 6 BACtCDROUND Am JUSTtFtcAT1cN
RECOMMENDATION
AUTHORIZE six qualified employees in the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District to carry and
use weapons and other safety equipment in the performance of their assignments as fire/arson
investigators; and DELEGATE to the Fire Chief the authority to specify the terms and conditions
under which employees will be allowed to carry and use weapons and related safety equipment.
REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION/BACKGROUND:
By Board Order dated September 8, 1992, only Supervising Inspectors in the Contra Costa County
Fire Protection District and now defunct Riverview Fire Protection District are currently authorized to
carry and use weapons in the performance of their fire/arson investigation duties. This Board Order
will replace and supersede the Board Order of September 8, 1992 by 1) updating the prior Board
Order and deleting reference to the former Riverview Fire Protection District which is no longer in
existence as a result of the fire service reorganization which occurred in July 1994 2) authorizing
qualified Investigators assigned to the Arson Investigation Unit to carry and use weapons without
specifying any particular job class and 3) delegating to the Fire Chief the authority to determine the
terms and conditions under which qualified Investigators will be allowed to carry and use weapons.
In addition to having training and/or experience in conducting firelarson investigations, qualified
Investigators are those who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of firearms, as required by
California Penal Code Section 832, and.are deemed fit to carry them.
As previously indicated in the prior Board Order, the Penal Code recognizes Fire Investigators as
peace officers and authorizes Investigators to carry weapons if authorized by the employing agency.
Investigators operate in a similar manner and environment as do police officers and deputy sheriffs
and have had the authority to carry firearms since September 1992.
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"COMMUNDAT t Oil or COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RMCOMMemo^T I ON OV SOARO- COMM I TT
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I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TnuE
.U_ UNMIMOUS (ABSENT - AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYE. N=% AND ENTOUD ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
AZIS ABSTAIN*. OF SUPr'ERVI SORS ON THE DATC SHOWN.
tontaat: ATTESTED DP-cp.m 15. 1998 _. .
CC: County Administrator PHIL BATCHELOR. CLERK'OF THE BOARD OF
Attn: Terry McGraw SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
CCCFFD Fire Chief
BY .DEPUTY
Board of Supervisors
Carrying Weapons by Fire/Arson Investigators
in Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Page 2
Fire Investigators typically begin their investigations during the later stages of a fire. The on-scene
investigation usually continues after the fire is completely out and other fire personnel have left the
scene. This results in the Fire Investigator being isolated at a potential crime scene at which the
arsonist may still be present. According to a study by the California Department of Forestry; the
arsonist either remains at or returns to the fire scene within 24 hours in the majority of arson fires.
The possibility of encountering an arsonist at a deserted crime scene presents a serious threat to the
life and well-being of Fire Investigators.
After the initial on-scene investigation, the Fire Investigator continues the investigation by gathering
evidence and interviewing witnesses and suspects with the objective of arresting the suspected
arsonist. All of these activities expose the Fire Investigator to the same dangers as other peace
officers.
Recent reductions in the Fire Prevention Bureau staff have prompted a restructure in the Arson
Investigation Unit. This change to the Weapons Policy will allow the Fire District to meet its
mandated responsibilities for arson investigations.
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