Operational since April 2007, Hampshire's Arson Task Force provides specialist support and guidance to fire and police colleagues involved in the investigation of deliberate and serious fires across the county.
The team comprises Detective Constable Mark Leonard of Hampshire Constabulary, and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Watch Manager, Graham Howlett. They are assisted by the HFRS Fire and Arson Support Unit and Fire Investigation Search Dog, Saxon. The black Labrador will attend fire scenes with Watch Manager Howlett, having been trained to detect flammable liquids used in deliberate fire-setting.
The ATF is funded by a grant from the Local Area Agreement.
Results
Between April and June 2007, the unit assisted Hampshire Constabulary with 34 police investigations, combined with over 30 fire investigations, attended by Graham Howlett and Saxon. As a result of ATF involvement there were 18 arrests, of which:
- Five people were charged with arson with Intent to endanger life
- Four people charged with arson
- One person was returned to prison under a Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangement.
What the ATF does
The ATF can be deployed anywhere in Hampshire to coordinate a thorough investigative response at fire scenes, and offer assistance throughout the investigation process.
The ATF also has an intelligence function. DC Mark Leonard will collate evidence packages to aid and assist police colleagues involved in the investigation of a serious or deliberate fire. The unit is responsible for undertaking arson reduction surveys in problem areas, arranging emergency fire home safety visits, and undertaking reviews of linked arson offences.
Part of the ATF’s role is to engage with local communities; delivering witness appeal posters and talking to residents and businesses following a deliberate or serious fire. They will also display witness appeal boards near to fire scenes.
At the time of the Arson Task Force launch, Hampshire Constabulary's then Chief Constable, Paul Kernaghan, said: “Arson - intentionally setting property on fire, is a serious crime. It is serious because of the inherent risk to life, and secondly because of its potential to cause major damage. To highlight but one example, arson at school premises has, over the years, adversely affected the education of hundreds of young people and imposed a major financial burden on the wider community.
“Education can prevent arson and HFRS has a long and proud record in this field. Equally, they provide essential technical expertise when Hampshire Constabulary seeks to investigate incidents of arson.
“This new joint unit is recognition of the seriousness of arson and of our determination to tackle it. We want to get two messages across, one don't play with fire, and two, if you do then we will ensure you are tracked down by highly trained professionals.
“Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Constabulary share a common mission, namely community safety, and the Arson Task Force will help us in delivering that goal."
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Officer, John Bonney, said: “Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has set itself some challenging corporate aims, including a reduction in the number of deliberately set fires in the county by 20 per cent by 2010. The Arson Task Force will go a long way in helping us achieve this goal.”
The task force can be contacted on 02380 626743 or email arson.taskforce@hantsfire.gov.uk.
