What is one benefit of a certified canine-handler team for a fire investigator?

A certified canine-handler team provides a significant benefit by demonstrating compliance with established requirements. This certification indicates that the team has undergone extensive training and met specific national or international standards relevant to fire investigations. It reassures stakeholders—such as juries, judges, and clients—that the team's methods and findings are reliable and credible. Compliance with these standards enhances the integrity of the investigation and helps ensure that the evidence collected is admissible in court, thus supporting the overall professionalism and accuracy of fire scene investigations.

In the context of fire investigations, the reliability of evidence is crucial, and having a certified team signifies that both the handler and the canine have proven their capabilities in detecting specific accelerants or other substances relevant to the investigation. This adds a layer of trustworthiness to the investigative process that non-certified teams may not possess.