Hawkins Webinar - Finding Evidence of Fraud & Deliberate Fire Setting

In this session Russ will cover the identification of physical evidence that identifies fires as being started deliberately, alongside evidence that identifies where fires and other peril claims are potentially fraudulent.

Learning objectives for this session are:

• This webinar will help you to understand how Hawkins can best assist in identifying and investigating instances of fraud.
• We will discuss instances of premeditated fraud and accidents that have been exaggerated to result in fraudulent claims.
• We will review several fire incidents where we have either identified evidence supportive of a fraudulent claim or have been instrumental in assisting others in doing so.
• We will also consider the kind of evidence we use in determining that deliberate fire setting has occurred and how our investigations have led to criminal convictions.

After graduating, Russ was employed by the Avon & Somerset Constabulary as a Scenes of Crime Officer engaged in the forensic examination of crime scenes, including fires.

In 1998 he joined the Avon & Somerset Scientific Support Fire Investigation Team specialising in arson cases. In 2000 he was promoted to Team Leader Scenes of Crime Officer, with responsibility for the coordination of the Constabulary’s response to vehicle crime, while continuing to play an active role in fire investigation. He has lectured to Police Officers, Fire Brigade personnel and Scenes of Crime Officers on subjects including the identification and preservation of evidence, scientific analysis of exhibits and the influence of DNA on crime scene examination.

In 2002 Russ joined Dr J H Burgoyne & Partners LLP as a Consulting Scientist specialising in the investigation of fires and explosions. He was responsible for investigating a diverse range of incidents including small fires in domestic properties, large fires in restaurants, commercial buildings and vehicle fires.

In 2005 Russ joined Hawkins, where he continues to carry out fire investigations. He is also frequently asked to provide expert assistance in criminal cases. He was Regional Manager of the Bristol Office for many years, and currently serves as Quality Manager.

Russ is experienced in the litigation process, having produced reports in connection with Court Proceedings and has given evidence in Court.

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