NCJ Number
81737
Editor(s)
R Clanahan
Date Published
1981
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This report describes the origins and objectives of the arson task force concept, illustrates its successful implementation in various cities, and suggests that it can be an effective method of combating arson.
Abstract
The task force concept originated in Seattle in 1975, when the city's fire department was being overwhelmed by the arson problem. Eight agencies were selected to become members of the task force team. They included the fire and police departments, the government, and representatives of local business. As a result of implementation of the task force, arson losses fell dramatically. Other cities, such as San Francisco and Phoenix, also adopted the program and experienced considerable success. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) conducted a national awareness program by inviting interested officials in 20 cities to a conference to learn how to form their own task forces. Definite progress has been made as a result of the conference. In addition, USFA set up a program to provide technical assistance to States and municipalities on how to implement arson task forces. Presentations have been made to over 3,200 participants. The concept behind the USFA's Arson Information Management System (AIMS) is that arson is to some extent a predictable and therefore preventable crime. AIMS is a tool used to predict the buildings most susceptible to arson-for-profit, thereby permitting the development of specific prevention strategies. Other components of the USFA program are described, and three photographs are supplied.