Minnesota Statutes Public Safety (Ch. 299A-299N) § 299F.051. Arson training

Subdivision 1. Training unit. An arson training unit is established within the Division of Fire Marshal to develop and administer arson training courses throughout the state for law enforcement and fire service personnel and for prosecutors.

Subd. 1a. Curriculum. The arson training unit, in consultation with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the state fire marshal, the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, the County Attorneys Association, the attorney general, and the State Advisory Council on Fire Service Education and Research, shall establish a standardized curriculum to be included in the training programs. The standardized curriculum shall include fire scene investigation and preservation of evidence, interviewing of witnesses and suspects, constitutional limits on interrogation by sworn and nonsworn officers, and other topics deemed necessary to successful criminal investigation and prosecution. The training program offered to peace officers shall meet the applicable preservice training requirements established by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board undersection 626.8456.

Subd. 3. In-service training. The arson training unit, in cooperation with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, shall offer in-service and refresher training for firefighters and peace officers through schools administered by the state, county, school district, municipality, or joint or contractual combinations thereof. The in-service training courses offered for peace officers shall be eligible for continuing education credit from the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training.

Subd. 4. Cooperative investigation. The state fire marshal and the superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension shall encourage the cooperation of local firefighters and peace officers in the investigation of violations ofsections 609.561to609.576or other crimes associated with reported fires in all appropriate ways.