NCJ Number
81372
Date Published
Unknown
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This booklet highlights the causes of arson committed for economic gain along with strategies for prevention as developed by the Massachusetts Arson Task Force that address law enforcement, the insurance industry, fire personnel training, legislation, and housing agencies.
Abstract
The Arson Task Force was convened in 1978 to examine the growing problem of intentionally set fires in Massachusetts which caused $63 million in property damage and 23 deaths in 1977. State insurers estimate that at least $15 out of every $100 paid in premiums goes to pay for arson losses. This report first describes two classic models of arson: arson for pure profit and arson to relieve economic burdens. Causes of economic arson are summarized, beginning with the low risk factor. Conditions which contribute to a low conviction rate for arson are detailed, such as lack of training in evidence gathering, insufficient investigative personnel, and lenient court attitudes toward arsonists. Other causes include nonrecognition of arson as a serious threat to the public, high profit gains from fraudulent insurance claims, and fluctuations in the availability of credit which provide the impetus and opportunity for potential arsonists. A final factor is the instability of the housing market which may cause building maintenance costs to exceed income in a deteriorating neighborhood, obscure the fair market value of a property, and encourage exploitation of public housing programs. Strategies to combat arson are outlined for each area, such as increasing training and coordination between fire and law enforcement personnel, improving data collection on arson, and tightening insurance application requirements. Legislative and administrative measures to curtail credit fluctuations are suggested, as are ways to monitor and improve the design of public housing projects. Charts and photographs are included.