John:

I am for accreditation. The NFPA has not had a good track record on developing standards such as the one being propose for FIU’s.

Let me ask you a question. I know there are changes pending but let’s work with what is there now as to the new NFPA document.

The present document states, “The FIU shall document their commitment to allocate personnel, support, and resources to uphold the mission or scope of work.” This sounds good and easy to do. My question is how the person in-charge of the FIU can comply with this statement when that person does not have the authority to make such a commitment. This person may have no control as to the commitment of manpower, support, and resources.

If one looks through the document, there are many examples like this one.

My next question is what organization or group will do the actual accreditation. I do not think NFPA should have anything to do with it.

Jim Mazerat
Forensic Investigations Group