NCJ Number
82984
Date Published
1981
Length
543 pages
Annotation
This report assesses arson control projects funded by the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration's (LEAA) Arson Control Assistance Program (ACAP) and identifies numerous arson control strategies and the circumstances under which they are most likely to succeed.
Abstract
The report presents information on arson control gathered from visits to 18 ACAP projects, telephone interviews with staff of other ACAP projects, information from non-ACAP jurisdictions and experts in arson control, and a review of the literature. It addresses successful investigation and prosecution procedures and such strategies for control as neighborhood revitalization, insurance initiatives, educational and referral programs, arson hotlines, and public awareness and rewards. It also describes national and local information systems, the arson task force, and the role of the State. An understanding of the extent and causes of arson is vital for planning countermeasures. Records of arson investigations should analyze geographical location, type of property, time of day, dollar loss, casualties, and the investigators' judgments regarding motives. The four organizational systems for arson investigations are: division of responsibility between fire and police departments, exclusive fire department responsibility, a team of fire and police personnel under a single supervisory authority, and an autonomous unit outside the fire and police departments. ACAP has helped many jurisdictions improve their arson investigations and purchase sophisticated laboratory equipment. Tables, figures, and descriptions of ACAP projects; survey instruments used in site visits; and a manual for a fire investigation unit are provided.