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During the past five years, arson and bombing attacks on houses of worship have been in the forefront of law enforcement and public attention. Although church fires are not a new phenomenon, they were not a high priority for federal efforts and resources until 1996 with the formation of the National Church Arson Task Force. In 1996, there was a sharp rise in church arsons, especially among African-American churches in the South. Prior to 1996, ATF had investigated approximately 200 fires and bombings at houses of worship. However, due to limited federal jurisdiction, these incidents were not usually investigated or prosecuted by the federal government. As a result
of the sharp increase in church arsons in 1996, President Clinton formed
the National Church Arson Task Force (NCATF) in an effort to coordinate
Federal, state and local law enforcement in the battle against church
arson. Congress supported the efforts of the Task Force by strengthening
federal laws and provided crucial resources for the Task Force's efforts.
For example, Congress passed into law the Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996, which granted federal prosecutors greater power in pursuing burnings and desecration at houses of worship. This new law enabled prosecutors to file charges in racially motivated arsons without having to demonstrate that the incident affected interstate commerce and waived the previous requirement that the damage had to total at least $10,000. The NCATF is composed of ATF, FBI, DOJ, FEMA, HUD and CRS. ATF applies its expertise in arson and bombing investigations and its jurisdiction in federal arson statutes to investigating and apprehending those who attack houses of worship. The FBI brings its expertise in Civil Rights and Hate Crimes and applies these statutes when applicable. DOJ adds to the effort by providing attorneys to prosecute individuals burning houses of worship, applying the most appropriate statutes. Recognizing that cooperation between the public and law enforcement is essential in the fight against these crimes, the Community Relations Service of DOJ assists by fostering positive relationships between communities and law enforcement. FEMA manages arson prevention and training programs. HUD brings its expertise in coordinating rebuilding programs to the task force. Today, ATF continues in the forefront in the fight against church arson. Utilizing its statutory authority under 18 USC, section 844, ATF's pursuit of arsonists has become institutionalized in the Bureau. Applying these statutes and ATF expertise to house of worship fires has become a top priority. Additionally, ATF has numerous support programs available in the investigation of church arsons. The National Response Team is available to respond within 24 hours and is comprised of agents with specialized training, chemists, canine handler and an explosives enforcement officer. ATF's laboratory system is one of the finest in the world. With regional laboratories all over the United States, they are available to examine arson debris and detect accelerants and explosive materials. ATF also utilizes computer technology in the investigation of church fires. The National Repository collects and analyses information on arson incidents and the suspected criminal use of explosives. The Advanced Serial Case Management System (ASCMe) provides on-scene assistance in the collection and collating of large amounts of evidence and data. ASCMe is invaluable in organizing the many pieces of evidence collected in the investigation of church fires. ATF responds to all fires at churches and makes a determination as to which of these resources are needed for a swift arrest and prosecution of the persons responsible. Due to increased federal jurisdiction and cooperation between agencies, it is anticipated that this trend of success in battling the war against house of worship violence will continue into the future. ATF
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