A critical review of canines used to detect accelerants within an arson crime scene

Abstract

Accelerant detection canines provide a fundamental role in arson investigations. Statistically, arson and criminal damage accounts for 9 per 1,000 population in the UK.1 Before 1996, fire investigators relied on the olfactory system and basic accelerant detection equipment to locate accelerant traces within arson crime scenes. As a result, canines were adopted as their superior olfactory system was producing precise detections than those of technical equipment. This review proposes that despite their strong sense of smell, the accuracy of detections remains fundamentally unanswered. Although current literature demonstrates extraordinary results from accelerant detection canines, further developments and critical evaluations are required to ensure the process meets forensic standards of practice.