NCJ Number
95822
Editor(s)
D Ford
Date Published
1984
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This executive summary of a 3-year study of arson control systems in eight cities concludes that the cities could have achieved significantly greater progress in performance and case outcomes if they had improved system coordination, departmental management, and the administration of investigative units.
Abstract
The study team visited each city to audit case files, observe fire scene investigations, interview key personnel, and examine standard operating procedures, classification procedures, statutory provisions, and clearance data. The study cities did not rigorously examine arson control requirements, resources, and alternatives. They reflected a national trend toward fire department's assuming greater responsibility for arson control. This tends to put an administrator without police training in charge of an area where police administrative skills are required to manage investigations. Only three of the arson units had up-to-date standard operating procedures. Researchers also found that arson unit managers needed training in criminal investigation, management, and information systems. Personnel management practices tended to be inhibited by departmental tradition, management's unwillingness to alter standard practices to accommodate the arson unit, labor contracts, and civil service regulations. Research also found numerous cases with workable leads that were not pursued. It is recommended that cases of stripped and burned cars be assigned to juvenile and patrol units, with more complex cases being reserved for arson investigators. The summary discusses implications of this research for arson control and suggests ways communities can upgrade their arson units. Tables and reviews of arson law and trends in arson legislation are included.