Fire/Police Arson Task Force - A Practical Approach

• NCJ Number: 91112
• Author(s): S Hart; H C Engelke; R D Helbig; R S Henckel; R E Baures; L Cubello; T Meminger; J Buono; F J Gilbert; J L Hundall; J C Howell
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 9 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Fire/Arson Investigation Research Paper, August 8-28, 1983

Annotation

This paper describes the functions and benefits of a fire/police arson task force.

Abstract

In some jurisdictions, fire and police responsibilities are not defined; as a result, arson has often gone undetected, and investigations have not included cooperation and an exchange of information between represenatatives of the fire and police services. The key to the success of a fire/police arson task force is in the wealth of experience and resources each agency already has at its disposal. The fire department has the tools and manpower needed to conduct a fire-scene examination, while the police facilities can process information that can determine responsibility for the incident. The police officer has the responsibility for determining the 'how' and 'who' of the arson, while the firefighter has the responsibility for determining the 'where' and 'why' of the fire and its origin. In communities where fire/police arson task forces have been used, their benefits have been demonstrated in an increased percentage of arrests and convictions for arson. Twenty footnotes and five bibliographic entries are provided.