Arson data program implemented
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has implemented a special arson statistical program designed to produce reliable data to be used by fire service and law enforcement agencies.
The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program will administer the project. For more than 55 years, the UCR Program has been the national clearinghouse for data on crimes reported to law enforcement agencies.
The project is in response to the Anti-Arson Act of 1982 and will be administered with the cooperation of the U.S. Fire Administration.
The UCR Program will collect and tabulate various data on an incidentby-incident basis. The results will be presented annually in a publication similar to special reports already produced on bombing incidents and law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Periodic news releases also will be issued. In addition, the program has the potential to provide specific-interest reports to assist administrative, budget, and operational areas.
The UCR program has also developed an arson report form and an ARSON INCIDENT REPORTING HANDBOOK to assist in completing the forms. This was done with the assistance of experts from fire service and law enforcement agencies, communities, the insurance industry, and government agencies.
Fire departments can participate in the program by completing forms for all arsons in their jurisdictions.
For more information, and to obtain a copy of the HANDBOOK and an initial supply of reporting forms and postage-paid envelopes, contact: Special Programs Unit—Arson, Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington, DC 20535; (202) 324-2614.
According to the FBI, fire service agencies are not required to participate in the program, but their commitment is essential to its success. The FBI will welcome contacts from fire departments and will answer questions and offer technical advice to ease the reporting burden.
“With fire service agencies and law enforcement working in concert, this cooperative effort should produce meaningful, reliable data on which to base effective anti-arson strategies,” says an FBI statement.
