Arson Prevention And Control

For fire departments, law enforcement agencies, community groups, and federal and state agencies, this program model offers approaches for the prevention and control of arson. Efforts to improve planning and implementation of arson control programs have been constrained by several factors: the traditionally low priority given to arson by the community, law enforcement agencies, and fire control agencies; the complex nature of crime, which is motivated variously by psychological and economic gain; and a lack of knowledge of the crime's magnitude. This NIJ program model is based on survey results from 170 cities with a population of 50,000 or more and data on 6 cities selected for further onsite observation--New York City, Dallas, Philadelphia, Seattle, Denver, and New Haven. Informal discussions were also held with planners and developers involved in the organization of arson response campaigns. The result of these inquiries is a report which identifies and discusses alternative strategies for improving six critical areas in arson prevention. The arson task force coordinates efforts for law agencies, as the first step in the planning process. The arson unit is the operational group responsible for day-to-day arson prevention and control activities. Here, discussion focuses upon the traditional conflict between police and fire agencies and the need for joint action as well as prosecutorial involvement in investigative operations. Investigative processes are covered, with attention to the issues of deciding which fires to investigate for arson, the allocation of staff resources to investigative tasks, and the need for supportive technological resources. Information on prevention strategies covers patrols, media campaigns, and the enforcement of existing codes. Discussion of current laws on insurance, criminal penalties, and jurisdictional authorities includes a list of new laws that provide immunity for the exchange of information between arson investigators and insurance companies. Finally, a data system is presented that can diagnose a community's arson problem and make resource allocation decisions. All aspects of the model are referenced, illustrated with diagrams and tables, and supplemented with appendixes containing a model arson penal law and a reporting immunity bill. A summary of arson prevention and control programs in the cities selected for site visits is provided.

This manual was prepared under an interagency agreement between the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration and the United States Fire Administration.