FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, January 13, 2020 1

OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: Extracting Event-Relevant Data from Electronic Sources

Describe

the need:

Fire investigators need to understand the type of information that might be available and 

how to access that information from electronic sources and systems. Investigators need to 

understand the issue of protection and preservation of this information as it is likely to be 

considered evidence. Aside from a brief mention, there is no information on this topic 

currently in NFPA 921. Research is needed to develop awareness of methods for collecting, 

extracting, and analyzing data from the variety of electronic sources available in residential 

and commercial buildings. Fire investigators must also recognize the importance of 

information from security cameras and alarm systems. Data from “internet-of-things” 

devices that might be stored within devices, at some remote storage location, or in the 

cloud can provide significant insight into fire origin.

Keyword(s): Collection of data, fire origin determination, electronic surveillance, internet of things

Submitting subcommittee(s): Fire & Explosion Investigation Date Approved: March 10, 2021

(If SAC review identifies additional subcommittees, add them to the box above.)

Background Information:

1. Does this research need address a gap(s) in a current or planned standard? (ex.: Field identification system 

for on scene opioid detection and confirmation)

Yes. There is little guidance on this topic in NFPA 921.

2. Are you aware of any ongoing research that may address this research need that has not yet been published 

(e.g., research presented in conference proceedings, studies that you or a colleague have participated in but 

have yet to be published)?

No.

3. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need: (ex.: Toll, L., Standifer, K. M., Massotte, D., eds. 

(2019). Current Topics in Opioid Research. Lausanne: Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88963-180-3)

N/A

4. Review the annual operational/research needs published by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/forensic-science-research-and-development-technology-working-groupoperational#latest? Is your research need identified by NIJ?

No.

5. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities?
FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, January 13, 2020 2

This research need is targeted to improve current fire investigation field work rather than laboratory analyses. This

research will serve to better inform fire investigators as to how to approach the gathering and interpretation of fire 

event relevant data from electronic sources.

6. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)?

See Number 5.

7. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system?

This research will help the fire investigation community to apply a more systematic approach the analysis of electronic 

data. This more systematic approach will improve expert opinions and testimony related to data from these sources.

8. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV): I

Major gap in 

current 

knowledge

Minor gap in 

current 

knowledge

No or limited

current research is 

being conducted I III

Existing current 

research is being 

conducted II IV

This research need has been identified by one or more subcommittees of OSAC and is being provided as an 

informational resource to the community.