Chapter 15 Arson and Bombings

Chapter Objectives Summarize the scope of the problem of arson. Explain the official definition of the crime of arson. Describe the relationship between police and fire investigators. continued on next slide

Chapter Objectives Explain the techniques of arson investigation. Explain how to investigate bombs and bombers.

Summarize the scope and the problem of arson. Learning Objective 15.1 Summarize the scope and the problem of arson.

Arson Arson is generally considered a low-priority crime, even by law enforcement. Time-consuming and difficult crime to investigate Much misunderstanding about the motives behind the crime of arson continued on next slide

Arson Few arson cases lead to arrest. Fewer than 20 percent of arrests result in conviction. Arson used to be classified as a property crime rather than a crime of violence as it is today. continued on next slide

Arson Many arson crime scenes are not recognized or treated as such. Much evidence is destroyed. Complications with witnesses, physical evidence, location of point of origin Victim often perpetrator of the crime

Explain the official definition of the crime of arson. Learning Objective 15.2 Explain the official definition of the crime of arson.

Arson Any willful or malicious burning, or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, or personal property of another.

Describe the relationship between police and fire investigators. Learning Objective 15.3 Describe the relationship between police and fire investigators.

Police and Fire Investigators Those involved in investigation of a suspicious fire Fire department investigator Police department investigator Victim's insurance department

Explain the techniques of arson investigation. Learning Objective 15.4 Explain the techniques of arson investigation.

Arson Investigation The key responsibility of the arson investigator is to connect the suspect with the crime scene, regardless of the motive. continued on next slide

Arson Investigation The investigation of arson Identify the point of origin. Find accelerants in arson investigations. Observe the span of the fire. continued on next slide

Arson Investigation The investigation of arson Photograph the scene. Identify plants or trailers. Question witnesses. Observe alligatoring. continued on next slide

Arson Investigation Other indicators of suspicious fire Many fires independently set in same scene Flame color Smoke color Size of fire Odors continued on next slide

Arson Investigation Motivation for arson Profit Revenge Vandalism Crime concealment Pyromania continued on next slide

Arson Investigation Characteristics of the fire starter 17 years old white male Often mentally deficient, history of poor academic performance From unstable home environment within lower socioeconomic group continued on next slide

Arson Investigation Characteristics of the fire starter Typically experience difficulties in relationships Sexual perversion Underlying motive of revenge

Explain how to investigate bombs and bombers. Learning Objective 15.5 Explain how to investigate bombs and bombers.

Investigating Bombings Interview witness. Clear the area. Sweep the area. If found, notify Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit or bomb squad.

Chapter Summary Arson is a pervasive problem throughout the nation. Many things may indicate that a fire of suspicious origin was arson. continued on next slide

Chapter Summary After a fire has been determined to have a suspicious origin, investigators from the local fire and police departments, as well as the victim's insurance company, collaborate on the case. continued on next slide

Chapter Summary Discovering a fire's origin is a critical phase because it includes ruling out natural or accidental causes. Bomb threats are delivered in a variety of ways, including telephoned and written threats.