Investigator Standards
FMO Investigators receive extensive training including, but not limited to: fire origin and cause determination, explosion and post-blast investigations, interviewing and interrogation, evidence collection, fire death investigations, firearms and defensive tactics, arrest procedures, and criminal investigations. Investigators conduct criminal investigations on all incidents with suspicious or illegal fire–related activity. FMO Investigators receive certification through the State of Tennessee, the International Association of Arson Investigators, or the National Association of Fire Investigators. Rutherford County Investigators are trained and commissioned with sworn police powers and are authorized to conduct criminal investigations, make arrests, and issue citations for fire-related offenses within the State of Tennessee.
Interagency Cooperation
The Arson Unit works closely with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies such as the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE). Some FMO personnel serve as Task Force Officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives as a part of the Metro Nashville Arson Task Force.
Did You Know?
The crime of arson is one of the most costly human-made disasters. Arson indirectly contributes to increased insurance premiums, higher medical costs, lost jobs, lost income, and the increased cost of fire services. The Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department needs your help to combat this serious crime. You can contact the Division of Fire Prevention directly with information related to a suspicious fire incident by calling 615-907-3600 or via email at
[email protected].
“BURN AN ARSONIST!” Contact the Tennessee Arson Hotline to report information on an arson. Information that leads to the successful arrest and conviction of an arsonist can result in a reward of up to $5,000.
1-800-762-3017