Mission Statement

The mission of the Unified Fire Authority Investigation’s Bureau is to protect lives and property by fostering a fire and explosives safe environment through investigation, enforcement, data collection and public education.

Arson and Explosive related incidents are considered two of the most dangerous criminal activities that threaten the citizens of Salt Lake County. The need exists to protect the citizens of the county from loss of life and property by reducing the crime of arson, arson-related crimes, improvised explosive devices (IEDS) and the prevention of future violent crimes by identifying and targeting serial/predatory/habitual violent offenders. The Investigations Bureau addresses this need by establishing a sound foundation of effective enforcement, focused towards the apprehension of the offender, while in partnership with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Function

The primary function of employees within the Investigations Bureau is to conduct detailed and complex investigations of explosions and fires in which there is suspicion that such explosion or fire is of incendiary origin. In addition investigators:

• confer with local, State, and Federal peace officers on the handling of investigations;
• interrogate suspects and interview witnesses;
• obtain criminal complaints and serve subpoenas;
• make arrests of persons suspected of having committed the crime of arson;
• confer with district attorneys and prosecutors in preparing cases for court;
• testify in court as expert witnesses;
• train and provide technical assistance in the latest techniques of fire and explosion to local fire protection and law enforcement authorities;
• perform render safe operations on explosive and/or incendiary devices;
• remove explosive hazards including the disposal of illegal fireworks and ammunition;
• administer specialized arson and explosives training programs or projects.

The Bureau utilizes highly trained ATF certified K-9 s that assist with accelerant and explosive detection. This valuable resource is available to all agencies within Salt Lake County and the State of Utah as needed.