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Re: Clarification
Posted by:
SJAvato (IP Logged)
Date: November 02, 2006 09:51AM
Pat, I do understand that, and am aware of the obligations that come along with working the "private" side. I am glad you pointed that out though for some of the public sector people who may not be aware of that. Since we (on this site) frequently discuss issues regarding the "Truth" in fire investigation, it must be difficult to work a scene, see certain things, and not be allowed to tell your side of the story when you know it to be true. On the "public" side, we do not always get that luxury. If I go to a scene, even if I don't write a report, I may still get called to testify (in a criminal case) as to my observations and sometimes, as to whether or not I agreed with other investigators. I am not arguing that it should be any other way (I do believe that we have the best legal system in the world - no offense to our readers outside the US), but we must disclose any potentially exculpatory information and cannot claim that our work is privileged or attorney work product.
Steve