NCJ Number
76167
Date Published
1978
Length
17 pages
Annotation
The growing problem of arson and issues associated with investigating arson are discussed, with particular attention to the situation in Wisconsin. Statistics on property losses due to arson and on arson cases are given, along with future trends in the policing of arson.
Abstract
In 1975, the estimated loss from arson was $1.4 billion throughout the Nation (more than any offense on the FBI's Index of Serious Crimes). In Wisconsin within the last 5 years, insurance payments to cover fire losses amounted to almost $200 million; 25 percent ($50 million) of this amount is estimated to have been paid for arson-related fires. In Wisconsin, fire chiefs are solely responsible for fire investigation, and fire chiefs and the State fire marshal have joint responsibility for arson detection; the State fire marshal and local law enforcement have joint responsibility for arson investigation. Current arson arrest and conviction rates are low both nationwide and in Wisconsin because of a shortage of trained arson investigators, a lack of witnesses to arson, investigative difficulties due to the destruction caused by the fire and its extinguishment, confusion about the responsibility of the police and the fire service in arson investigations (less of a problem in Wisconsin), and difficulties in prosecuting arson cases since prosecutors often rely on circumstantial evidence. The Wisconsin Council on Criminal Justice anticipates increased training for arson investigators, along with judges and prosecutors with respect to the technicalities of arson cases; the hiring of more multijurisdictional arson investigators; increased cooperation between the police and fire departments in addressing the arson problem; and greater emphasis on public education regarding arson issues. Wisconsin arson-related penalties are listed, and tabular and graphic data are provided.