Rick Hankins

About Rick Hankins

Senior Special Agent and Certified Fire Investigator with the U.S. Bureau of ATF. Currently assigned as the ATF CFI Program Manager. Duties include investigating violations of federal explosive, arson, and firearms statutes. Lead case agent for several long-term and complex investigations. Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) responsibilities include origin and cause determinations, court preparation and presentation of evidence, as well as technical interpretation of fire-related information. Testified as an expert in state and federal criminal trials. Member of the ATF National Response Team (NRT) which responds to major fire and explosion events across the United States. Lead CFI and Lead Coordinator for multiple incidents. Currently an alternate of the NFPA 1033 Committee – Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator. Instructor on several occasions for agencies such as the National Fire Academy, International Association of Arson Investigators, Wisconsin Association of Homicide Investigators, US Attorney\'s Offices, technical colleges, as well as multiple police and fire departments. Full-time instructor at the ATF National Academy from August 2015 - August 2016, providing instruction to new agents regarding interviewing, report writing, surveillance, evidence collection, scene processing, and lead analysis.

Experience

1. Cfi Program Manager

   ATF

   Sep 2024 — Present

   Responsible for the training and certification process of ATF Special Agent Certified Fire Investigators. Specific duties also include managing the budget for training and equipment.

Education

• University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

  Bachelor's degree, Criminal Justice