NCJ Number
57698
Journal
MUNICIPAL POLICE Dated: (JUNE 1979) Pages: 3-6
Date Published
1979
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A MASSACHUSETTS ANTIARSON PROGRAM IS DISCUSSED AGAINST A BACKDROP OF FEDERAL EFORTS TO DEVELOP A COORDINATED FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE PERVASIVE PROBLEM ARSON-FOR-PROFIT.
Abstract
THE EFFORTS OF A BOSTON NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP, STOP (SYMPHONY TENANTS ORGANIZING PROJECT), TO COMBAT UNCONTROLLED ARSON RESULTED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EFFECTIVE STATEWIDE PROGRAM. THE GROUP PROVIDED THE AUTHORITIES INFORMATION EVENTUALLY USED TO BREAK UP A MAJOR ARSON RING. THIS FORCED THE STATE TO ATTACK THE UNDERLYING CAUSES OF ARSON. A FEDERAL GRANT HELPED ESTABLISH AN ARSON PREVENTION TASK FORCE WHICH ISSUED A REPORT ON 10 WAYS TO COMBAT ARSON-FOR-PROFIT: (1) INCREASE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEM; (2) REDUCE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES OF ARSON; (3) DETECT AND PROSECUTE ARSON CRIMES; (4) CLARIFY HOW BUILDING VALUES ARE DETERMINED; (5) PROVIDE OPTIONS TO OWNERS ON DISPOSING OF THEIR PROPERTY; (6) ESTABLISH WAYS OF PREVENTING ARSON; (7) REESTABLISH A BALANCE AMONG THE SELF-INTERESTS OF INTERESTED PARTIES; (8) MAKE THESE PARTIES AWARE OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES; (9) REDUCE ECONOMIC STRESS OF OWNERS; AND (10) REDUCE ECONOMIC STRESS OF NEIGHBORHOODS VULNERABLE TO ARSON. TWO STATE LAWS HAVE INCORPORATED SOME OF THESE FEATURES. CHAPTER 804 OF THE ACTS OF 1977 ESTABLISHES THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF INSURANCE COMPANIES, WHILE CHAPTER 446 OF THE ACTS OF 1978 ALSO ADDRESSES THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF BUILDING OWNERS, AND PROVIDES FOR INCREASED COOPERATION BETWEEN THE POLICE AND INSURANCE COMPANIES. WORCESTER HAS EXPANDED ON THESE EFFORTS BY CREATING A PROGRAM WHICH HAS REDUCED CITY RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEMOLISHING BUILDINGS AND THE ARSON RATE. A STATISTICAL TABLE SUPPORTS THESE CONCLUSIONS. ON MARCH 23, 1979, LEAA AND THE U.S. FIRE ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED A FEDERAL PROGRAM A NATIONAL PROGRAM TO ATTACK THE CRIME OF ARSON. (KCP)