Additional Information
Many arson investigators typically have previous work experience as a firefighter
or police officer, as well as attend training academies and receive on-the-job
training in inspection and investigation.
Getting the job involves taking a test and being put on an eligibility
list. Once you're accepted off the list and hired on as an investigator, there
are numerous classes that you take to become a better arson investigator.
Classes include firearms, arson, detective school, arson tactics, bomb
detection and hate crimes.
Arson investigator Don Braziel says that his fire department likes to hire
people who have at least taken classes in arson investigation.
Michael Schlatman, a past board member of the International Association
of Arson Investigators (IAAI), emphasizes the need to stay in school. "The
way it is now, you're hardly going to get by without a bachelor's. We highly
recommend a degree in fire science, fire technology or criminal justice."
The IAAI has chapters in both the U.S. and Canada. It offers specialized
training courses every year to keep investigators up to date.