In May 2024, a new standard was issued by ASTM International that addressed forensic science practitioners, and more specifically, scene investigators. The new standard, ASTM E2917-24a - Standard Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs, could apply to fire investigators as our discipline is covered by the definitions used in the standard.
The purpose of this blog is to bring awareness to fire investigators of another impactful standard being issued just as NFPA 1321 is being published. The impact of being in compliance with ASTM E2917-24a, should you claim to follow it, could be significant.
ASTM E2917-24a is focused on training and continuing education for scene investigators. It addresses, “foundational requirements for the training, continuing education, and professional development of forensic science practitioners to include training criteria toward competency, documentation, implementation of training, and continuous professional development.”
Designed to complement existing programs, ASTM E2917-24a seeks to identify minimum training criteria without dictating actual requirements for specific forensic science disciplines. It is focused on criteria for training, continuing education, and professional development but, importantly, does not address proficiency testing.
It is reasonable to think that ASTM E2917-24a could be applied to fire investigation as the standard defines forensic science practitioner as, “an individual who (1) applies scientific or technical practices to the recognition, collection, analysis, or interpretation of evidence for criminal and civil law or regulatory issues; and (2) issues test results, provides reports, or provides interpretations, conclusions, or opinions through testimony with respect to such evidence.”
For new investigators, ASTM E2917-24a lists broad training elements used to ensure that forensic practitioners to are competent before doing independent work. There are 18 “core” and “discipline-specific” training elements defined.
These elements address topics such as safety, bias, evidence handling, interpretation, legal issues, knowledge of related field, etc.
For current investigators, ASTM E2917-24a requires that they remain current through "measurable" continuing education and professional development and obtain an annual average of 16 hours over a three-year period.
Perhaps the most significant part of this standard is found in the annex of the document. Unlike NFPA documents, the annex in this ASTM standard is used to detail additional training, education and certification requirements for, “forensic science practitioners engaged in the discipline of scene investigation.”
ASTM E2917-24a requires that minimum entry-level requirements for scene investigators be an associate’s degree, or equivalent number of hours of post-secondary education, with at least 8 hours of physical science coursework from a college or university.
It is also explained that, “since scientific testing can and does occur at scenes, the scene investigator should possess a bachelor’s degree with physical science coursework.” Unfortunately there is no further explanation to this incredibly impactful requirement.
Recognizing that these requirements would be difficult to apply retroactively, the standard clarifies that for those already working as scene investigators, practical experience and acquired knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs) may be substituted for the minimum educational requirement. Notably ASTM E2917-24a does not specify how much or what type of practical experience is needed.
Perhaps the most significant part of the annex language is where ASTM E2917-24a lists additional training and continuing education requirements for those investigating scenes. The required continuing education or professional development standard listed is a minimum of 48 hours over two years, with at least 24 hours of this being continuing education (which includes external training).
Lastly, the standard requires all scene investigators to attain certification or licensure unless the scene investigation unit is accredited.
