Having just returned from the IAAI-UK AGM and training event in London I would like to express here how much I admire and respect what has been achieved by all involved.
I had joined IAAI many years ago mainly for the forum site which at that time was very useful. Sadly, like many forums, bulletin boards etc. it fell into disuse and even some abuse.
The formation of the UK chapter took much time and devotion by those involved but it has clearly been worth it. The informal and open manner of the personnel and structure of the organisation is refreshing. Anyone and everyone is welcome. There are no cliques. It is not expensive. Through this body the professionalism and value of fire investigation will spread through Europe and the IAAI can be worthy of the title "International".
I would encourage anyone in the field to become involved with IAAI. It is now the most substantial independant organisation in this field.
I know some have issues with the heavy USA bias but to be fair that is where IAAI started and modern USA FI methods are now more closely similar to our own. Active involvement is the only way to influence or change any organisation and IAAI are open for change.
Most of us here on this IFE SIG panel are members and it was good to see half of us at the event. Looking forward to the next.
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Here here David. First one I've been to after joining in the past year. Still have minor reservation about the term "Arson Investigation" as I believe we investigate fires, of which some turn out to be arson, but other than that mute point it seems like a great organisation to be part of and a natural extension of the Fire Investigation community. Alan
ReplyDeleteI would like to add my congratulations to the UK chapter for their efforts and in particular to President Peter Mansi, member of the IAAI Board, for his outstanding efforts to start new chapters throughout Europe and encourage the field of fire investigation to grow throughout the world. The UK chapter of the IAAI has been an outstanding success and continues to be with training and educational opportunities provided regularly.
ReplyDeleteTo mirror Alan Bell's reservations regarding the name "Arson" in the name of the association - I am the IAAI Liaison for New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (Vic.) in Australia. The chapters in Australia, NSW, Vic. and Queensland, as well as the chapter in New Zealand had similar reservations and we eventually changed our association name to Association of Fire Investigators (AFI) [NSW] [Vic.] etc. We still hold the same values and ethical standards as the IAAI, follow the same principles and do exactly the same things, we just felt better with the name of what we actually do reflected in our association name.
All the best to all of the investigators who read this and safe investigating, from Downunder.
I believe that historically there was some resistance to the inclusion of the word Arson in the title but that the argument was narrowly lost at that time. I see no reason why the collective membership could not lobby the board members to raise the issue. The increase of non-US chapters will soon make a powerful lobby.
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