Arson Task Force makes an impact in Hampshire

Graham Howlett and Saxon, the fire investigation search dog Photo: Hampshire FRS

The team is based at Alton fire station, and consists of Hampshire FRS Watch Manager Graham Howlett, and Detective Constable Mark Leonard of Hampshire Constabulary.  They are assisted by the Hampshire FRS Fire and Arson Support Unit and by Saxon, a Fire Investigation Search Dog. The black Labrador has been trained to detect flammable liquids used in deliberate fire-setting, and attends fire scenes with Watch Manager Howlett.

Roles and functions of the Arson Task Force

As well as an intelligence function – collating evidence to assist police colleagues – the ATF undertakes arson reduction surveys in problem areas, reviews linked arson offences, and arranges emergency fire home safety visits.  Part of the ATF’s role is to engage with local communities. They deliver witness appeal posters and talk to residents and businesses after a deliberate or serious fire. They will also display witness appeal boards near to fire scenes.  The unit is funded by a grant from the Local Area Agreement.

Hampshire FRS Watch Manager

Watch Manager Graham Howlett’s key responsibilities include the operation, promotion, and daily management of the Task Force, its vehicle and resources. He is responsible for receiving, recording and monitoring intelligence, and has a secondary role as trained dog handler to Saxon.  He also delivers arson awareness training to identified groups, and assists Hampshire FRS fire investigators and constabulary crime scene investigators with the investigation of suspicious fires.

Results

As a result of the partnership, the two organisations are already seeing an increase in the number of arsonists being prosecuted.  Between April and June 2007, Graham Howlett and Saxon attended over 30 fire investigations and the unit assisted Hampshire Constabulary with 34 police investigations. 

As a result of ATF involvement there were 18 arrests, of which:

·        Four 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.

Common goals

Hampshire FRS Chief Fire Officer, John Bonney, said: “The Arson Task Force is an innovative partnership which sees Hampshire FRS and Hampshire Constabulary working together to detect incidents of arson and enhance fire investigations.” “This unit combines the specialist skills of the police with those of fire service investigators, with both organisations committed to reducing levels of arson and ensuring offenders are brought to justice.”

“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.”

There were 9,814 arson incidents in Hampshire in 2006, representing 69 per cent of all emergency responses.

Looking ahead

Hampshire Constabulary Chief Constable. 

Paul Kernaghan, said: “This new joint unit results from the recognition by John Bonney and myself 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 FRS and Hampshire Constabulary share a common mission, namely community safety, and the Arson Task Force will help us in delivering that goal.”

For more information contact Craig Mowat, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.  Telephone: 023 8062 6812.