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Bill to Authorize the
CBI to Assist Fire Chiefs in the
Investigation of Fires Introduced in House
A bill to authorize the Colorado Bureau of
Investigation (CBI) to assist a chief of a
fire department in the investigation of a
fire related to the crime of arson has been
introduced in the Colorado House of
Representatives. HB10-1399 by Rep. Paul
Weissmann seeks to provide statutory
authority to the CBI for what is essentially
current practice.
Current law charges the chief of a fire
protection district with the duty to enforce
the laws of the state related to the
suppression of arson and to investigate or
cause to be investigated the cause, origin,
and circumstance of fires occurring in their
jurisdiction, and to seek prosecution when
it is determined that a crime has been
committed.
Colorado law also authorizes the CBI to
assist any sheriff, chief of police, or
other law enforcement authorities in the
investigation and detection of crime and in
the enforcement of the criminal laws of the
state. However, the CBI is not authorized by
statute to provide such assistance to the
chief of a fire department.
This bill authorizes the CBI, upon request
of the chief of a fire department, or his or
her designee, to assist in the investigation
of a possible crime related to arson. As
amended by the House Judiciary Committee,
the bill would require the fire department
to notify the appropriate law enforcement
agency that a request for assistance from
CBI has been made.
HB10-1399 was heard by House Judiciary
Committee on April 12, 2009 and was amended
and referred to the House Committee of the
Whole unanimously. South Metro Fire Marshal
Rob Geislinger testified on behalf of the
CSFCA and FMAC in support of the bill.
Others that testified in support of the bill
were Denver Fire Investigator Leif
Skulborstad, testifying on behalf of the
Colorado Chapter of the IAAI; Arapahoe
County Sheriff Grayson Robinson, on behalf
of CSOC; and CBI Director Ron Sloan.
The preamended version of the bill that
contains the amendment passed by the House
Judiciary Committee may be downloaded
here.
Posted 03-15-10 |
