ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

What do investigators often analyze to determine the cause of an explosion?

1. Witness interviews

2. Site contamination levels

3. Presence of accelerants and explosives

4. Time of day

The correct answer is: Presence of accelerants and explosives

Determining the cause of an explosion involves understanding what materials may have contributed to the incident, especially in terms of their chemical properties and how they interact. Analyzing the presence of accelerants and explosives is crucial, as these substances can reveal whether the explosion was accidental or intentionally caused. Investigators look for residues or traces of these materials to establish if they were used to start a fire or explosion, helping to identify potential criminal activity or negligence. In the context of explosion investigations, while witness interviews can provide context and gather accounts of the event, they do not directly indicate the cause. Similarly, assessing site contamination levels may reveal environmental impacts but does not directly indicate the specific cause of the explosion. The time of day, although potentially relevant for understanding circumstances surrounding an incident, does not directly contribute to identifying materials or causes. Therefore, focusing on the presence of accelerants and explosives is fundamental for investigators attempting to determine how and why the explosion occurred.