Ms. Renee Criswell is currently a Certified Fire Investigator through the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI-CFI), as well as the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. She is also an Explosive Detection K9 Handler, a certified Firefighter, Fire Inspector, Fire Instructor, and a certified EMS Intermediate (Cardiac Tech).

Ms. Criswell served as a Fire Investigator with Norfolk Fire-Rescue, where she investigated and conducted origin and cause determinations at more than 600 fires in residential and commercial buildings, vehicles, marine vessels, and machinery. She has testified in court proceedings involving the investigations of fires, explosions, and hazardous materials incidents, and has completed numerous educational seminars as well as participating in multi-jurisdictional training events and continuing education in her field of fire investigation, explosives, and expert witness testimony. Ms. Criswell has also completed Fire Command School. Her duties with the Norfolk Fire Marshal’s Office frequently included assisting new investigators. Ms. Criswell has considerable experience with the municipal fire service (19 years), including Master Firefighter designation, Acting Officer credentials, and Engine and Aerial Operator. She has commanded engine companies as well as ladder companies at structure fires. She has also completed municipal fire and life safety inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. She has accumulated knowledge of NFPA and IFC compliance with fire, life safety, and building codes. Ms. Criswell has also completed the HRCJTA Basic Law Enforcement Academy and has convicted over 90% of her arson cases.

• International Association of Arson Investigators Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI – CFI) Certification

• CFI Multi Program Certificate in Vehicle Fires

• Fire Science Program at Tidewater Community College: Currently enrolled maintaining a 4.0 grade point average

• Fire Investigator (1033)

• Fire Inspector (1031)

• Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 (Detection, Alarm and Suppression Systems)

• Fire Instructor

• Incident Command System and Strategy and Tactics

• Incident Safety Officer

• Rope Rescue

• National Fire Academy

• Hazardous Materials Code Enforcement (2016)

• Leadership 1, 2, and 3 (2015 – 2017)

• Federal Bureau of Investigation

• National IED Familiarization (2019)

• IED Identification and Classification (2018)

• Effective Speaking (2019)

• Commonwealth of Virginia

• Department of Forensic Science Crime Scene Photography (2019)

• ZETX Criminal Investigations in Cellular Technologies (2019)

• Basic CSI Documentation and Evidence Collection (2015)

• Public Agency Training Council (PATC)

• Hands on Electrical Fire and Arson Investigation

• Social Networking and the Black Web

• Bomb Threat Management Planning

• Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy Basic Law Enforcement (2014)