The Arson Task Force

The Arson Task Force. Deliberate fires are the largest single Cause of major fires in the U.k. Arson is a problem that leads to Loss of life, injury and results in substantial and personal hardship.

In an average week in the U.K. arson results in ;

• 3,500 deliberately started fires
• 50 injuries. 2 deaths.
• A cost to society of at least £25 million.

The Arson Task Force develops strategies to support and compliment work done by the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service District managers and police partnership development officers within the CDRP network.

The Arson Task Force comprises; The Arson Task Force manager, seconded Police Officer, Fire Investigations dog and handler and five Arson Reduction Advocates. Each district of Merseyside has a representative Advocate who can tackle arson related problems by working on a local level with partner agencies and members of the community to;

• Prevent, deter, detect, divert and prosecute arsonists.
• Target properties most at risk from deliberate fires.
• Locate and resolve potential fire risks within the community.
• Be a positive role model within the community.
  

Police And Merseyside Fire And Rescue Protocol

The Crime and Disorder Act 1998, emphasises the requirement for a multi-agency approach towards tackling crime and its causes. The act also provides a framework on how to develop agreements between the agencies on addressing communities’ safety issues.

In tackling the growing occurrence of arson and subsequent fire losses, the Home Office publication ‘Safer Communities: Towards Effective Arson Control’ identifies the multi-agency approach, especially liaisons between the police and the fire service in the process of fire investigation.

Within the protocol, each agency has identified roles and responsibilities, which can extend to accommodate the working arrangements of other partner agencies with the aim of: -

• Identify the contributory factors to arson.
• Identify arson trends.
• Support improvements in social inclusion.
• Reduce the number of fires caused by arson each year.

Arson Fire Investigation Joint Agency Agreement

If you would like to acquire the Arson Fire Investigation Joint Agency Agreement please
click here or on the image to the right.

Schools

Over 70% of school fires are started deliberately. In the U.K, every 3 days there is a serious school fire, deliberately started that creates a staggering £100 million annual repair bill.

Schools are often regarded to be common ground for youths to congregate and targeted due to their attractive materials and equipment.

By collating our own data and that of partner agencies the Arson Task Force can identify specific areas and schools, which are at risk of arson. Furthermore, respond to these indicators by performing school arson risk assessments. To request a school arson risk assessment online please click on the link below.

Head teachers are asked to consider making fire issues and risks a part of everyday school life. All fires, no matter how small should be reported to the fire service with a view to assisting in the prevention of further incidents.

A Guide to Arson Risk Assessment in Schools

If you would like to acquire the guide to Arson Risk Assessment in Schools please click here or on the image to the right.

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If you would like to request a School Arson Risk Assessment be carried out at your school, click on the icon to the right and fill in our online form.