Arson Information Management Systems - Technical Report (From Government Executive's Guide to Arson Prevention and Control - A Handbook on Information Systems and Action Programs, 1981, P 47-116, by Clifford L Karchmer et al - See NCJ-86285)

• NCJ Number: 86288
• Author(s): M V McGuire
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 61 pages
• Sale Source: New York State Police
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The Arson Information Management Systems (AIMS), in operation in seven jurisdictions nationwide, include a broad range of programs designed to understand, predict, and control arson.

Abstract

The programs include research components and action/intervention components, drawing upon computerized or manual procedures for data collection and analysis. They can be operated by public agencies or private groups and benefit a variety of agencies and organizations. The descriptions of the seven AIMS programs emphasize the diversity of approach and output between the systems; however, all of the programs are concerned with arson control problems, with identification of arson-related information needs, and with the development of research or information management programs to address those needs. A table provides an overview of the type of system used by each, the systems' functions, uses of information generated or stored by the system, and the type of property on which the system focuses. New York has a comprehensive arson analysis and control program. Other information management and arson prediction systems were established by or in conjunction with fire departments (New Haven, Conn.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Phoenix, Ariz.; and San Francisco, Calif.). Two research programs (Boston and Seattle) aimed at understanding the economic and social determinants of arson are described. Supplemental technical information is provided for each program, along with the names and addresses of contact persons for each AIMS program.