NCJ Number
98181
Date Published
1985
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The Flatbush Development Corporation (Brooklyn, New York) administers an arson prevention program centered in a negotiated agreement with one of the largest insurers in the Flatbush community; the agreement provides for an exchange of information between the insurance company and the community organization to help achieve the common goal of preventing arson to collect insurance on the property.
Abstract
The agreement provides that the corporation will develop profile information on high-risk buildings and report it to the insurer. This report includes (1) property reports for any locations where fire claims have been filed or an application for insurance is pending, (2) addresses of properties at risk for arson (according to an arson risk prediction scale) which are insured by the participating company, and (3) periodic updates on at-risk properties. The insurer reciprocates by providing the following information or actions: site inspections of all at-risk properties identified by the corporation, a report to the corporation on actions taken as a result of the inspection, and notification to the corporation of any fire insurance claims involving properties on the at-risk list. The insurer also notifies the corporation about new policies issued and the coverage amount on properties in the Flatbush area. To streamline the information exchange, the insurance company developed rules on the advice of legal counsel. These rules require that all communications be with one of two people designated by the manager of the insurance company. Also, information must be limited to factual matters rather than opinions. Specifically, communications are not to involve advice on whether or not particular properties should be insured. Finally, communications must be in writing or backed up by written confirmation. The name, address, and phone number of a corporation contact person are provided.