In the spring of
1995, the Niagara Regional Police Service along with the twelve
Municipal Fire Services and the Office of the Fire Marshal
became concerned with the noticeable rise in arson fires in the
Niagara Region. The need was identified for a police
investigative unit specifically tasked with the investigation of
arson fires.
It was felt that an organized and
methodical approach to arson investigation was needed, and that
a networking, team approach between the partners would maximize
productivity and reduce duplication of efforts.
Arrangements were made through
the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office for the training of police
investigators in the area of fire scene examination, as well as
cause and origin determination. On June 12th, 1995, the
"Arson Task Force" was formed.
The goal of the newly formed unit
was to substantially reduce the frequency of arson fires
throughout the Niagara Region. This would be accomplished
through diligent and effective investigation methods along with
the successful prosecution of arsonists.
This type of unit, with police
personnel dedicated to investigating suspicious fires is one of
only four similar units operating in the Province of Ontario.
The office of the "Arson
Investigation Unit," as it is called today, is located in
the Detective Support Services section of the Niagara Regional
Police Service headquarters building at 68 Church Street in St.
Catharines.
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