NCJ Number
92086
Date Published
Unknown
Length
30 pages
Annotation
Arson early warning strategies have been developed that predict, with varying degrees of accuracy, where future acts of arson are likely to occur. These strategies draw upon evidence of financial and other stress factors in order to characterize buildings according to their arson risk potential.
Abstract
The report distinguishes realistic expectations about early warning strategies from those that may be too ambitious to achieve desired reductions in arson incidents. An arson early warning strategy consists of information that can be readily gathered and analyzed -- public record information about the building, its ownership and financial history, and its physical condition (including previous fires). Financial distress is the major reason why home or business owners become involved in arson-for-profit. The report discusses basic elements of an arson early warning strategy and how to choose prevention activities. One proven approach is owner notification (communicating to the building owner that the building has been designated as an arson risk), as evidence by the success of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Arson Prevention and Enforcement System (CAPES) and the New York Landlord Contact Program. Citizen-initiated strategies are also discussed. Technical assistance resources and 12 references are supplied.