Issue

Key Activity/Requirements

Desired Outcome

Start Date

Impact Date

Contribution to Target/Aim/Comments

Overall requirement to consider the case for giving the fire service a statutory power to investigate fires. More specifically : -

• to consider the impact such a power would have on related legislation including the Police & Criminal Evidence Act;
• the overall effect of such a power on the successful prosecution of arsonists; and
• to make recommendations to the Working Group considering future fire safety legislation.

Recommendations to the Working Group considering future fire safety legislation.

Apr ’01

Ongoing

Improved investigative techniques means success in achieving goals on reducing crime (Aim 1) and would have corresponding benefits in reducing the overall number of fires (Aim 7).

The need for additional guidance as to procedure may arise from the discussions of the new Arson Control Forum cf. Item 3 below.

Arson Prevention Programme: Changes to the Crime & Disorder Act

Overall requirement to consider the case for making the fire service a full member of the partnerships established under the Crime & Disorder Act rather than a body invited to contribute to the work of the partnerships.

Exclusion of the fire service as a statutory partner may have led to an under-appreciation of the scale & impact of arson by the Crime Reduction Partnerships.

Amendment of Crime & Disorder Act may be necessary to provide a sufficient focus upon arson as a crime.

Recommendations to PCRAT & to AACDU/PSMU on case for amending the Act.

Mar ‘01

Ongoing

Improved framework for fostering partnerships means success in achieving goals on reducing crime (Aim 1) and would have corresponding benefits in reducing the overall number of fires (Aim 7).

Arson Prevention Programme: Investigation of Non-Accidental Fires - Terminology

Overall requirement to agree terminology to be used to describe a non-accidental fire so that reporting triggers the right responses amongst investigating agencies yet does not imperil any subsequent court cases

Amendment to HO Circular No 106/92 & FDR1 guidance as necessary.

Improved correlation between police & fire service data leading to better measurement of true extent of arson problem

Mar ‘01

Apr ‘02

Clearer understanding of terminology will lessen dangers of unsuccessful prosecutions on technical points and thereby mean success in achieving goals on reducing crime (Aim 1) and would have corresponding benefits in reducing the overall number of fires (Aim 7).