76-12-B8
- Main Page \ Reagan Radio Commentaries \ 1977
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Arson[edit]
Transcript[edit]We know that our ancestors way back in dim antiquity discovered fire could be a useful tool. We don't know when they discovered it could also be used maliciously for spite or revenge; to murder, maim and, more lately, provide illicit profit. About 25 years ago, the handful of men in California who were engaged in fire/arson investigation formed an organization now known as "The California Conference of Arson Investigators". They recognized the need for training and education in their field, They were also convinced that many fires of so-called "undetermined causes" were, in fact, fires deliberately started for one reason or another. In these 25 years, their investigative work has become a science, not only in the determination of arson, but in identifying other fire problems. We are now aware of structural design faults, whereby stairwells, elevator shafts and air ducts become natural chimneys, resulting in the rapid spread of fire. Their work has led to improved building materials with fire-retardant qualities and better appliance design to eliminate fire-causing malfunctions. One would think this knowledge indicated the situation was well in hand and we were on our way to happier and less dangerous times. We might think that but we'd be wrong. Back in 1970, when I was Governor we had a task force called the "Arson Information Study Group". They brought me a report that in the years 1967 to 1970, the total numbers of fires in California increased by 19 percent. The cases of detected arson increased 87 percent. This report led to the forming of the first arson detail within the State Fire Marshall's office. The report, taking data from other states, indicated that arson was a crime costing the nation 800 million dollars a year -- more than four times the cost of the next most costly crime, auto theft. Just recently, I received a letter from one of the men who served in that study group and the arson investigating team in California, James Timmons, now doing the same work for a California city. Reminding me of what had been done in our state he said, -- QUOTE -- "National Fire Protection Association data indicates arson fires have been increasing at a steady rate of 10 percent a year since 1968" -- UNQUOTE. Those are just the cases were arson is proven . They estimate half of the fires of "undetermined cause" are, in fact, arson. Then Mr. Timmons asked some pertinent questions maybe we all should be asking. Why are less than one-half of one percent of fire and police personnel assigned to arson investigation? Why do so many cities and towns have no trained personnel in this field? They report they have no arson -- just an awful lot of fires of "undetermined cause". Why does the F.B.I. not classify the nation's most costly crime as a Class One Crime? Indeed, the F.B.I. crime reporting system does not recognize the existence of arson. And, finally, why did the International Association of Police Chiefs recently recommend against having the F.B.I. classify arson as a Class One Crime? I have the greatest respect for law enforcement agencies and for those who fight our fires. If there are answers to these questions, I'd like to hear them and I think you would too. This is Ronald Reagan. Thanks for listening. |
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