Photo Ionization Detectors

[ENG3INE TheRock]

I am researching Photo Ionization Detectors and there application in the Arson Investigation field. Does anyone know anything about them; use them or any cases where they have been used to prove guilt in court?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated thanks

[Saint of Quench]

I have never heard of a photoelectric or ionization detector used as a means to determine arson. Since the main function of these detectors is to turn on when particles start to pass by the sensors and then turn off when they are clear they are not recording anything. Even if a detector is disabled it still doesn't mean anything. As an example the homeowner could have shut it off because it was sounding all time without cause.

The only way I could even begin to think to use a detector to determine arson would be to use a sampling smoke detection system; however, they are only used to measure ambient condition changes. They do not usually store these condition readouts on a hardrive, let alone the components of the smoke. I would suggest that it is possible to go that route though, but in this day and age the data would have to be pretty cut and dry.

[Phantom]

I am researching Photo Ionization Detectors and there application in the Arson Investigation field. Does anyone know anything about them; use them or any cases where they have been used to prove guilt in court?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated thanks

I think you are talking about using handheld PIDS to identify the presence of an accelerant post burn, correct? If so I would discuss it with the local DA, proving training and competence with the detector will be key.

[ENG3INE TheRock]

Phantom

thats what im looking into thanks for the advice