§ 36-8-17-7 — Fire investigations; notice of crime; report; powers of fire department; subpoenas; discovery orders

Indiana § 36-8-17-7

• Jurisdiction: Indiana
• Title 36: LOCAL GOVERNMENT
• Art. 8: PUBLIC SAFETY
• Ch. 17: Fire Safety Inspections; Arson Investigations

Text

(a) A fire department shall investigate and
determine the causes and circumstances surrounding each fire
occurring within the territory served by the fire department. The fire
department shall begin the investigation when the fire occurs. The fire
department shall immediately notify the department if the fire chief
believes that a crime may have been committed and shall submit a
written or electronic report to the department concerning every
investigation at the end of each month. The fire department shall
submit the report on the form prescribed by the department and shall
include the following information in the report:
(1) A statement of the facts relating to the cause and origin of the
fire.
(2) The extent of damage caused by the fire.
(3) The amount of insurance on the property affected by the fire.
(4) Other information required in the commission's rules.
(b) To carry out this section, a fire department may:
(1) enter and inspect any real or personal property at a reasonable
hour;
(2) cooperate with the prosecuting attorney and assist the
prosecuting attorney with any criminal investigation;
(3) request that the office subpoena witnesses under IC 22-14-2-8
or order the production of books, documents, and other papers;
(4) give oaths and affirmations;
(5) take depositions and conduct hearings; and
(6) separate witnesses and otherwise regulate the course of
proceedings.
(c) Subpoenas, discovery orders, and protective orders issued under
this section shall be enforced under IC 4-21.5-6-2.

Legislative History

As added by P.L.245-1987, SEC.21. Amended by P.L.222-1989, SEC.19; P.L.1-2006, SEC.578; P.L.57-2020, SEC.15; P.L.187-2021, SEC.148.