Final report

Recommendations for a coordinated attack on arson are presented in a report on the proceedings of seminars sponsored in January and February 1976 by the National Fire Academy. The seminars brought together 36 representatives of fire and police agencies, insurance companies, and other concerned groups to define specific actions required to alleviate the arson problem in the united states. The seminar includes a brief overview of the crime of arson and separate discussions of each of the major areas of need identified by seminar participants. Needs and recommendations are set forth with regard to the following: (1) defining the responsibilities of those concerned with the arson problem; (2) reclassifying arson in crime reporting systems to reflect the true seriousness of the crime; (3) making the public aware of arson, the consequences of arson, and the need for action; (4) developing job-related training programs on arson for investigators and other personnel; (5) improving reporting, data collection, and data analysis procedures; (6) promulgating effective, uniform laws and regulations, particularly with regard to insurance; (7) finding adequate sources of funding to combat arson at all levels; (8) conducting research on tools for arson investigation and on social and behavioral causes of arson; and (9) establishing a uniform arson terminology. Appended materials include information on organizations mentioned in the report, excerpts from an Ohio senate bill intended to facilitate state use of insurance company data, and a list of seminar participants.