§ 2220. Arson prevention, detection, and control

• (a) Duties of Administrator

  The Administrator shall -

  • (1) develop arson detection techniques to assist Federal agencies and States and local jurisdictions in improving arson prevention, detection, and control;
  • (2) provide training and instructional materials in the skills and knowledge necessary to assist Federal, State, and local fire service and law enforcement personnel in arson prevention, detection, and control, with particular emphasis on the needs of volunteer firefighters for improved and more widely available arson training courses;
  • (3) formulate methods for collection of arson data which would be compatible with methods of collection used for the uniform crime statistics of the Federal Bureau of Investigation;
  • (4) develop and implement programs for improved collection of nationwide arson statistics within the National Fire Incident Reporting System at the National Fire Data Center;
  • (5) develop programs for public education on the extent, causes, and prevention of arson; and
  • (6) develop handbooks to assist Federal, State, and local fire service and law enforcement personnel in arson prevention and detection.
• (b) Report to Congress on manner of assistance to States and local jurisdictions
  • (1) The Administrator shall prepare and submit to Congress, not later than March 15, 1979, a report on ways in which the Federal Government may better assist the States and local jurisdictions in providing for more effective arson prevention, detection, and control. Such report shall include, but need not be limited to -
    • (A)(i) an assessment of State and local capabilities in regard to arson investigation and detection; and
  • (ii) an evaluation of the necessity for and the desirability of Federal supplementation of such State and local capabilities or other Federal assistance in arson detection; (B) a summary of Federal programs which seek to reduce arson; (C) an identification and analysis of existing Federal and State laws which may contribute to the incidence of arson; (D) recommendations for additional legislation or other programs, including research programs, or policies which may be required to assist in reducing arson in the United States; and (E) an assessment, where practical, of the costs and benefits of those programs and activities cited in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (a) of this section or recommended by the Administration. (2) Of the funds authorized to be appropriated in section 2216 of this title, $100,000 shall be available in fiscal year 1979 for carrying out the purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection.