Expert Witness Blog
In Fire Investigation Reports: The Key to Writing a Quality Report fire expert witness and Principal of Pyrocop, Inc., Robert Rowe writes on peer review.
As the report will be read by peers, supervisors, the public and colleagues, it is extremely important that fire investigator uses correct grammar, spelling and punctuation throughout the report. Misspelled words and improper grammar can cast an unprofessional shadow over the fire investigator as well as the entire fire investigation. Each report should be proof read to ensure that it is not only complete and accurate but easy to read.
The report should also be written in the “first person” such as “I arrived at the scene at 9:00 a.m.” or “I observed heavy smoke staining on the exterior wall surface above the south entrance”. Try to avoid second or third person phrases such as “This investigator arrived on scene at 9:00 a.m.” or “this officer noted heavy charring”, etc.