Rekindle vs. Spoliation

摘要

THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS OF today's command official on the fire scene is extensive, complex, and often occurring under time-compressed circumstances. The critical decisions can have dire consequences. However, as the fire scene mitigation transitions from the critical to the events of the "under-control" operation, you need to consider evidence preservation. Too often, practices and processes that go beyond reasonable overhaul come into play and can hinder investigative efforts. Overhaul can lead to spoliation if this line is crossed. Spoliation is defined as "loss, destruction, or material alteration of an object or document that is evidence or potential evidence in a legal proceeding by one who has the responsibility for its preservation."