MAST - Staffing

Photo courtesy of Keven Smith

Combating arson and bomb-related crimes requires the unique skills of both fire and law enforcement personnel.

The Metro Arson Strike Team is staffed by:

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
3 Fire Investigators
8 Explosive Device Technicians

San Diego Police Department
3 Detectives
1 Detective Sergeant

U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms - ATF
1 Special Agent assigned full-time to MAST

U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation - FBI
1 Special Agent assigned as a liaison to MAST

MAST investigators are cross-trained to achieve expertise in both fire/explosives investigation and police procedure. Fire investigators are peace officers, have powers of arrest, and are armed.

Staffing is arranged so that the City of San Diego has coverage for fire investigations and critical explosives and bombing incidents 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

In addition, MAST utilizes a variety of specialized equipment in examining fire scenes and conducting explosives related operations. One of the unique resources is Andros, the bomb disposal robot.