The mission of the Redlands Fire Department Investigation Unit is
to determine the origin and cause of all fires and provide the
appropriate documentation. To identify and apprehend those
persons responsible for the commission of arson and crimes
related to arson. The Investigation Unit provides continuous
education and public awareness to both internal and external
customers of the City of Redlands. 
The Shift Investigation Unit is a multi-functional team assembled
to determine the origin and cause of fires and document various
scenes including hazardous materials incidents and spilled loads
when needed. The Team is designed to provide scene
investigation/documentation and conduct follow-up investigations
and interviews when necessary. The Shift Investigation Unit also
is charged with reducing the arson incident rate within the City
of Redlands. The Unit is proactive in identifying possible arson
trends. The Unit interacts with various agencies to assure the
primary goal is achieved. The Shift Investigation Unit also
compiles cost recovery information and assists Fire Prevention
with specialized inspections.
Organization
The Investigation Unit is comprised of
the Chief Investigator and four Shift Investigators. The
responsibilities of the Chief Investigator include planning and
directing the activities of the Shift Investigation Unit and
keeping Fire Administration updated of the team status. The Chief
Investigator will oversee the operations of the team and assure
the Fire Department needs are being met through planning, goal
setting, implementation, and evaluation. The Shift Investigators
have completed the requirements for State Fire Marshal Level One
or Two Fire Investigator certification. The Shift Investigator
can take a lead role in scene investigations without supervision
as well as the follow up of said case. The Shift Investigator is
expected to attend training sessions, meetings and provide
training for on-duty fire personnel.
Operations
Investigators are assigned to cases as needed and provide
appropriate documentation. The Shift Investigation unit may also
be called upon to provide additional services to the department
when needed. This may include certificate of occupancy
inspections, background investigations, and crime scene
investigations of illegal dumping of hazardous materials. The
Shift Investigation Unit specializes in “documentation” and can
be utilized anytime documentation is needed.
Mutual Aid and Arson Task Force Response
The Redlands Fire Department participates in the San Bernardino
County Fire-Arson Investigators Association established by the
CONFIRE Chiefs, as well as the East Valley Investigation Network.
These organizations were established to improve the communication
between the local fire agencies, law enforcement agencies, and
insurance providers. The Redlands Fire Department Shift
Investigation Unit can provide investigation services to
neighboring communities when requested. The Redlands Fire
Department can request the assistance of neighboring communities
when additional investigators are needed or the Redlands Team is
committed.
Training
The Shift Investigation Unit will provide training to fire
department personnel in such areas as origin and cause
determination, scene preservation, fire scene investigation,
vehicle fires and report writing. The training needs of the
department will be periodically evaluated and training will be
provided as needed. The Shift Investigation Unit takes part in
constant training to stay up to date with current investigative
techniques. Redlands has also played host to many multi-agency
training classes attended by private, insurance, and Fire
Department Investigators from all over the state.
Public Awareness Training
The Shift Investigation Unit provides public awareness training
regarding arson problems, illegal fireworks, and Juvenile Fire
Setters Program. Local media avenues such as newspapers, local
access channel and informational flyers are used to educate and
inform the public. The Investigation Unit interacts with the
homeowner and insurance companies to provide information when
appropriate.
