Community Risk Reduction-Investigations

Investigations are a critical part of Beaumont’s risk reduction efforts. Investigators help uncover the causes of an incident and provide those involved with better information on how to prevent similar situations.

BFR investigators are state-certified as both fire and arson investigators and law enforcement officers. Investigators are on duty or are available on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• Fire & Arson Investigations
• Criminal Investigations
• Internal Affairs Investigations

• The highest priority investigative response is assigned to fires involving the following:

  • Fatalities or injuries
  • Explosions
  • Evidence of arson
  • Major fires or disasters

  BFRS fire and arson investigators respond within Beaumont city limits or by request from Sabine-Neches Chiefs’ Association mutual aid partners, and state or federal law enforcement agencies. BFRS fire and arson investigators do not respond to requests for investigations from insurance companies.

  Fire and arson investigators are trained not only in fire investigation techniques but also in evidence collection, interviewing, fraud investigation, and other aspects of criminal investigation. In addition to arrest authority, BFRS fire and arson investigators have the power to issue subpoenas for information required in an investigation.

  If you have information concerning the cause of a suspicious fire in Beaumont, please call 409-880-3905 and ask to speak with a fire and arson investigator, or email [email protected].

• BFRS investigators also investigate and file cases relating to possible criminal violations in addition to arson:

  • Murder associated with arson cases
  • Theft of service (electricity, natural gas, etc.)
  • Falsification of fire protection equipment servicing or inspection records
  • Life safety or fire code violation complaints

  As licensed law enforcement officers, BFRS investigators are trained in criminal investigation and work cooperatively with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

  If you have information about possible criminal violations in any of the areas listed above, call 409-880-3905 and ask to speak with an investigator, or email [email protected].

• One of the duties of internal affairs investigators is ensuring that applicants meet or exceed minimum organizational standards at the time of hire. They also investigate possible professional standards violations by BFRS employees relating to state and local civil service law, department rules and regulations, or standard operating guidelines.

  • Candidate Screening

    BFR Investigators perform the following candidate screening functions:

    

    • Liaison with the civil service director to track all aspects of the hiring process
    • Perform background screening
    • Assist with the Candidate Physical Abilities Test
    • Coordinate the oral board interview process
    • Administer polygraph examination
    • Verify state-required certifications

  • Professional Standards Investigations

    Because of the personal nature of emergency response services, and the impact that our capabilities, preparedness, and response has on our customers, it is critical that BFR responders are competent, capable, and professional.

    Our members strive to be people of compassion and integrity who are committed to service excellence. We take concerns about our responses and issues relating to the behavior of our personnel very seriously. BFRS investigators conduct investigations on all formal complaints in a standard manner, to coincide with civil service law requirements.

    Email [email protected] if you have a concern. A customer service representative will follow up with you. If you would like to file a formal complaint, click here.