Investigating Arson for Profit
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 (8:00am - 10:00am) (Ballroom 1)
This lesson is designed to provide the student with an overview of the two-day instructional class into the basic concepts of a criminal investigation into an arson-for-profit scheme, and the strategies and tactics used in such an investigation.
Provide the student with a preview that will help the students understand their roles as investigators and the tasks required to successfully complete an investigation into an arson-for-profit crime.
Performance Objectives:
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The student shall be able to identify the steps necessary in order to successfully complete an arson-for-profit investigation.
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The student shall be able to identify the investigative techniques which will help the student identify possible suspects.
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The student shall be able to define, with 70% accuracy, the terms associated with fire insurance.
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The student shall be able to define, with 70% accuracy, the terms associated with real estate.
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The student shall be able to identify the indicators of fraudulent activity found in documents collected during a property title search.
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The student shall be able to identify the forensic accounting techniques which will help the student identify fraudulent activity associated with an arson-for-profit scheme.
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The student shall be able to follow the recommended strategies for conducting a complex arson-for-profit investigation.

David Kircher
David Kircher has served the fire service since 1975. He served in law enforcement from 1981 through retirement in 2004. David has attended both the National Fire Academy, and The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
David holds the IAAI CFI and ECT credentials and the NAFI CFEI Credential.
David has investigated over 3,260 fires and explosions including a number of “Arsons for Profit”. David has received numerous awards including the IAAI’s Investigator of the Year.
David currently works as a fire and explosion investigator for O’Neill Associates.
David instructs at the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Training Academy in Sea Girt, New Jersey.
David has lectured at numerous seminars throughout the United States and Canada.

Stephen Kircher
Stephen Kircher is a volunteer firefighter. Stephen graduated the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice 90 Hour Basic Course for Arson Investigators in 2014 and has assisted Investigator Kircher with approximately 150 fire investigations. Stephen holds the NAFI CFEI Credential.
Stephen has been in law enforcement for 9 years. Stephen currently serves as a patrolman with the Eatontown, NJ Police Department. Stephen has affected numerous arrests during various criminal investigations and has testified before state grand jury on numerous occasions.
Stephen holds a BS in Accounting, and a MS in Financial Fraud & Forensics. Stephen holds the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential through the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.