As Arson Science Improves, Cases Drop
Twenty years ago it was far more common to hear about an arson case. But now the number of fires being ruled as intentionally set has fallen dramatically. According to the Wisconsin State Journal, this drop has accompanied growing knowledge about the science of fires and less of a dependence on “folklorish” methods of days gone by.
While scientific advances have actually increased the number of violent crimes solved, it seems similar advances in the science of fires has thrown a curve ball at arson investigators, decreasing the number of intentional fires. According to a test by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, investigators were asked to pinpoint the origin of a fire. Of 53 investigators, only three were correct and every time the test was conducted, it was a different three investigators that got it right.
About 30 years ago, 20% of fires were ruled as being intentionally set. Now that number sits at around 8%. In Wisconsin, arson arrests have subsequently dropped, with185 arrested in 2009 compared with 363 in 2000.
Advancements in the science have also led to overturned convictions as the courts see people who were convicted on unsound expert testimony and investigation decades ago.
Part of the problem is insurance companies have often provided “independent” investigations to bolster law enforcement’s investigation in criminal arson cases. As this report reveals, insurance companies have an interest in targeting a defendant as it allows them to not pay thousands and potentially millions of dollars on a fire that isn’t intentionally set.
Another issue is that the science of fires has historically been handed down by word of mouth on the job. In no other scientific field is there such a lack of regulations and procedures. This has become a rallying point for many organizations who wish to see a federal forensic oversight organization, regulating all of the forensic sciences including arson investigation.
The National Fire Protection Associations Guide for Fire and Explosion investigation currently serves as the “gold standard” on instruction into arson investigations. One issue seen across the country is investigators ruling a fire as intentionally set when they cannot find another accidental cause. The NFPA’s guide, however, demands such fires be ruled as “undetermined” in such cases. Unfortunately, not all departments use this guide as a standard.
Arson is a serious crime with life changing consequences. Arson of a building carries a potential 40 year prison sentence, and this is only if no one is hurt.
Though arson cases are rare, they are perhaps the most severe charges that can be levied against someone for what is considered a “property crime”. If you are charged with arson or another property crime and need someone looking out for your best interests, contact our offices today.
