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.
Why arson is special crime?
Arson is a
unique crime in that evidence at the scene can be destroyed
; however, a systematic investigation may yield sufficient evidence to determine the cause. It is therefore important that every fire scene is treated as a potential arson crime until proof of natural or accidental cause has been established.
Is arson the fastest growing crime in the US?
Perhaps the most persistent myth about arson is that it’s the fastest-growing crime in the United States. In fact,
arson isn’t growing at all
, at least in terms of long-term trends.
What is the significance of the term point of origin in arson?
The point of origin can be a clue to possible arson. For example, if two or more distinct points of origin are found, that means
two or more separate fires
-an indication of deliberate setting.
What types of evidence are necessary in the successful prosecution of an arson case?
In all prosecutions for arson there are two elements of the alleged crime, which the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt: (1) That the fire was caused by the willful criminal act of some per- son; and
(2) the identity of defendant as the one responsible for the fire.
How many arsonists get caught?
It’s estimated that only
10 percent of all arson cases
are “cleared” by arrest-and that only one percent of all arsonists are convicted of the crime. (A few others are institutionalized for psychiatric treatment as an alter- native to conviction.)
How many people commit arson each year?
Arson is the leading cause of fire in the United States. 1 Each year, an estimated
267,000 fires
are attributed to arson, which result in $1.4 billion in property loss and cause over 2,000 injuries and 475 deaths.
Is it hard to prove arson?
A fire is only considered arson after all accidental causes have been ruled out, which means investigators have to prove an individual caused a fire deliberately and with harmful intent. This is why
arson is both difficult to prove and prosecute in court
.
How do you prove crime of arson?
The main elements necessary to prove arson are
evidence of a burning and evidence that a criminal act caused the fire
. The accused must intend to burn a building or other structure. Absent a statutory description of the conduct required for arson, the conduct must be malicious, and not accidental.
Why are arson investigations difficult?
Arson is difficult to investigate for three main reasons:
The arsonist can plan out the arson well in advance and bring all the tools needed to commit the act with him/her
. The arsonist does not need to be present at the time of the act. The fire itself destroys evidence tying the arsonist to the crime.
Why is arson a low priority crime?
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. Much evidence is destroyed.
What is evidence of arson?
There are many physical clues that may suggest arson is a fire cause. They include:
Burn pattern: multiple origins or unusual origin location
.
Presence/absence, and/or condition of ignition key
.
Ignition lock/switch condition
.
Who was the worst arsonist?
Thomas Sweatt
. Thomas A. Sweatt is a convicted serial arsonist. One of the most prolific arsonists in American history, Sweatt set over 350 fires in and around Washington, D.C., most of which occurred in 2003 and 2004.
Who is the most famous pyromaniac?
Paul Keller
is one of the most notorious serial arsonists in American history. This Seattle man is responsible for at least 70 fires and three deaths in and around the Seattle area during the ’80s and ’90s, with unsolved cases even popping up in recent years.
Which state has the most arsonists?
A review of the 7,065* fires listed in BATS as “Incendiary or Arson” by location (State) revealed the highest number of incidents were reported in
Florida
(859), followed by Texas (805) and then California (689).
