During a recent Skype call between some of us the subject of IFE publications was raised. It is widely accepted that the IFE's 2 principle FI-related books, although still having good and useful content, are outdated in many sections. It is questionable whether this can be adequately addressed in a re-edit or whether it is time for a complete change. I would like now to court some opinion from all of us in this regard and I will raise the matter with the IFE.
So, suggestions and opinions please. Bear in mind that such a project will go nowhere if it is not commercially viable.
My thoughts are that a new, single book or manual should be written to completely supercede and replace the others. Authors should be from among ourselves and other capable practitioners and should include the authors of the previous books if willing. The content and language should be internationally applicable with subsections where necessary to address other regimes and systems. It would also be a good opportunity to firmly associate research with FI.
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David
ReplyDeleteSounds like the perfect project to provide a focus of the group. Personal view would be to provide a book that is in colour and fully illustrated, with the UK market in mind. I appreciate the North American Market is far more profitable but the subject of electricity and fire is still an area that requires significant improvement from first line responders and experienced investigators alike, yet this is the one area where some of the more readable texts (North American) are the least helpful for the UK market. The skill will lie in creating a reference document that is scientifically robust and appealing to academics without alienating newcomers to the field of Fire Investigation who have arrived from a vocational background.
All the best.
Alan.
ReplyDeleteI have now embarked on study for the Forensic Science Society FI Diploma examination next year. This will give me a few ideas on future content and need. Would you like to tackle the electricity section?
David
ReplyDeleteSounds tempting and I would certainly want to to contribute in some way. I'm not sure I am the electrical expert but depending upon the availability of peer assessment I would like to think I could make a meaningful contribution.
As a related side issue, both myself and one other member of the IFE Steering group are about to embark on the final year of our Masters Degree in Fire Investigation (due to be complete in 2011) and will be together at a study weekend at the end of March. I think there will be some value in considering the possibility of our respective theses on Fire Investigation being used as a useful contribution to any future publication, although I still need to firm up my final subject heading.
Will keep you informed when I know what my final year will be based on and will almost certainly be looking for some help!
All the best
Alan
MR. DAVID,
ReplyDeleteGOOD THINKING! VERY GOOD THINKING!! CERTAINLY THE IFE MATERIALS ON FIRE INVESTIGATION NEED 'UPDATING' AND IT WILL BE COMMERCIALLY VIABLE IF THE CONTENTS REFLECT INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE.
A LOT OF INTERNATIONAL MEMBERS WOULD ALSO BENEFIT A GREAT DEAL FROM SUCH A PROJECT!
I HOPE THE BRE GUYS WOULD HELP IN TERMS OF BRINGING IN THEIR WEALTH OF RESEARCH ETC
THANKS.
EGWUMBA, UCHE BRUNO