NCJ Number
96579
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 53 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1984) Pages: 8-14
Date Published
1984
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article addresses the nature, extent, and use of current arson statistics available within the FBI.
Abstract
Arson is one of eight offenses, known as Index Crimes, on which the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program collects offense-related data. Included among UCR arson offense statistics are data on types of property damaged, the estimated value of property damaged, whether the structures were inhabited, and the percentage of offenses cleared by law enforcement. Property classification statistics for 1983 reveal that over half of reported arson offenses involved architectural structures and approximately one-fourth involved motor vehicles. Although only 1 percent of reported arson offenses involved industrial or manufacturing structures, the average value of the property damaged in these fires ($59,4000) was much higher than for any other type of structure. Arson statistics reveal that the frequency of arson arrests is similar to that for homicide. According to 1983 estimates, there were 19,800 arson arrests and 20,310 arrests for murder and nonnegligent manslaughter. Almost 25 percent of all arson arrests in 1983 involved persons under the age of 15, and over 60 percent were among persons under 25 years of age. The Automated Identification Division System (AIDS) is another FBI arrest-based data source that offers information on arson; AIDS allows for tracking of repeat offenders and calculation of the total arrests that they account for. Despite the helpfulness of the data gleaned from UCR, arrest records, and AID, more information regarding the incidence and characteristics of arson is needed. Five figures are included.