March 1, 2002

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Department of Justice Arms Fire Investigators with New Weapon to Prosecute Arsonists

The United States Justice Department’s Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has awarded the Shreveport Fire Department status as an Originating Agency Identifier from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

The department’s Fire Prevention Bureau, specifically the Investigative Section qualified for the assignment by being classified as a "criminal justice agency." This designation opens the door for fire investigators to directly access the NCIC database, which provides information on suspects such as past criminal history and outstanding warrants.

With the addition of NCIC access to their already impressive arsenal of arson investigation tools, SFD fire investigators now say they will now know immediately if a suspect they are dealing with has a criminal past. "This is important in establishing whether there is a history of prior arson type offenses by the suspect but more importantly it will provide information as to whether the suspect is a potential physical threat to the investigator," said lead investigator David Glass. Additionally, the new designation will allow the department to take a case from beginning phases of investigation, to arrest, to the end in successful prosecution.

The Justice Department awarded the criminal justice agency status to the department after reviewing their application and other forwarded documentation concerning their operations. This was possible because Shreveport’s fire investigators are also law enforcement commissioned officers. Receiving their training through Shreveport Police Department, investigators have detainment, apprehension, and arresting authority and are licensed to carry firearms. Prior to having direct access to the NCIC database, fire investigators sought assistance from police officers and detectives in getting background information. Agencies assigned NCIC ORIs may use the NCIC for authorized purposes only. ###