National Context: The Arson Control Forum

In April 2000, the Arson Control Forum was created and given responsibility for providing the strategic direction to the arson prevention/investigation programme.

The work of the Arson Control Forum involves the pulling together and driving forward the work of those agencies currently engaged in arson prevention work. This involves the production of a programme of future arson prevention work, including further research; and building links with other national agencies that can make a difference to the problem. Because of the nature of arson, the work of the Forum will dove tail with other Home Office-led crime reduction initiatives such as the Property Crime Reduction Action Team (PCRAT) and the Vehicle Crime Reduction Action Team (VCRAT).

Given the complex nature of arson with its multiplicity of motives and preventative measures the Forum has four topic-based sub-groups:

Intervention – this group addresses issues relating to the prevention and investigation of arson

Legislation – this group assess what legislative changes are required to address the arson issue

Research and Data Collection – this group will research issues surrounding arson including the collection and dissemination of data and will assist to identify the most effective tactics to reduce the incidence of arson

New Projects – this group will consider local arson prevention initiatives, providing a degree of financial support where necessary and will roll out best practice

In broad terms the terms of reference of the Arson Control Forum are:

• To work towards a reduction of deliberate fires and related deaths, injuries and damage.

• To maintain a strategic overview of all general arson prevention matters.

• To develop, monitor and support initiatives aimed at improving standards of arson prevention and public awareness of arson prevention issues.

• To promote partnership and co-ordination of effort in order to allow all stakeholders to contribute to the development of arson prevention policy.

• To monitor, and contribute to, arson prevention work conducted in European and International bodies.

ACF Legislation sub-group.

Research and data collection sub-group.

Intervention sub-group.

To support the work of the Forum a Joint Thematic Review of police and fire services will be conducted by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and HM Inspectorate of Fire Services towards the end of the 2000/2001 financial year.

The Review will examine the following areas: -

• The training of officers engaged in arson investigation ;

• The joint arrangements for investigating arson;

• Current practice associated with the statistical recording of arson;

• Arrangements for co-operation with other agencies;

• Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Schemes; and

• Arson Prevention Initiatives