[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 28, Volume 1] [Revised as of July 1, 2008] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 28CFR32.5] [Page 498-500] TITLE 28--JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION CHAPTER I--DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PART 32_PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS' DEATH, DISABILITY, AND EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE Subpart A_General Provisions Sec. 32.5 Evidence. (a) Except as otherwise may be expressly provided in the Act or this part, a claimant has the burden of persuasion as to all material issues of fact, and by the standard of proof of ``more likely than not.'' (b) Except as otherwise may be expressly provided in this part, the PSOB [[Page 499]] determining official may, at his discretion, consider (but shall not be bound by) the factual findings of a public agency. (c) Rules 401 (relevant evidence), 402 (admissibility), 602 to 604 (witnesses), 701 to 704 (testimony), 901 to 903 (authentication), and 1001 to 1008 (contents of writings, records, and photographs) of the Federal Rules of Evidence shall apply to all filings, hearings, and other proceedings or matters. (d) In determining a claim, the PSOB determining official may, at his discretion, draw an adverse inference if, without reasonable justification or excuse-- (1) A claimant fails or refuses to file with the PSOB Office-- (i) Such material- or relevant evidence or -information within his possession, control, or ken as may reasonably be requested from time to time by such official; or (ii) Such authorizations or waivers as may reasonably be requested from time to time by such official to enable him (or to assist in enabling him) to obtain access to material- or relevant evidence or - information of a medical, personnel, financial, or other confidential nature; or (2) A claimant under subpart C of this part fails or refuses to appear in person-- (i) At his hearing under subpart E of this part (if there be such a hearing); or (ii) Before such official (or otherwise permit such official personally to observe his condition), at a time and location reasonably convenient to both, as may reasonably be requested by such official. (e) In determining a claim, the PSOB determining official may, at his discretion, draw an inference of voluntary intoxication at the time of death or catastrophic injury if, without reasonable justification or excuse, appropriate toxicologic analysis (including autopsy, in the event of death) is not performed, and/or the results thereof are not filed with the PSOB Office, where there is credible evidence suggesting that intoxication may have been a factor in the death or injury, or that the public safety officer-- (1) As of or near the injury date, was-- (i) A consumer of alcohol)-- (A) In amounts likely to produce a blood-alcohol level of .10 per centum or greater in individuals similar to the officer in weight and sex; or (B) In any amount, after ever having been treated at an inpatient facility for alcoholism; (ii) A consumer of controlled substances included on Schedule I of the drug control and enforcement laws (see 21 U.S.C. 812(a)); or (iii) An abuser of controlled substances included on Schedule II, III, IV, or V of the drug control and enforcement laws (see 21 U.S.C. 812(a)); or (2) Immediately prior to the injury date, was under the influence of alcohol or drugs or other substances or otherwise acting in an intoxicated manner. (f) In determining a claim under the Act, at 42 U.S.C. 3796c-1 or Public Law 107-37, the certification described therein shall constitute prima facie evidence-- (1) Of the public agency's acknowledgment that the public safety officer, as of the injury date, was (as applicable)-- (i) A public safety officer of the kind described in the certification; (ii) Employed by the agency; (iii) One of the following: (A) With respect to a law enforcement officer, an officer of the agency; (B) With respect to a firefighter, (1) An officially recognized or designated member of the agency (if it is a legally organized volunteer fire department); or (2) An employee of the agency; (C) With respect to a chaplain, (1) An officially recognized or designated member of the agency (if it is a legally organized police or volunteer fire department); or (2) An officially recognized or designated public employee of the agency (if it is a legally organized police or fire department); (D) With respect to a member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew, an officially recognized or designated public employee member of one of the agency's rescue squads or ambulance crews; or (E) With respect to a disaster relief worker, an employee of the agency (if [[Page 500]] it is described in the Act, at 42 U.S.C. 3796b(9)(B) or (C)); and (iv) Killed (with respect to a claim under subpart B of this part), or totally and permanently disabled (with respect to a claim under subpart C of this part), as a direct and proximate result of a line of duty injury; and (2) That there are no eligible payees other than those identified in the certification.