HARRY HUGHES, Governor

5409

ANTI-ARSON ADVISORY COUNCIL

WHEREAS, The occurrence of the crime of arson in Maryland
has reaches serious proportions and is estimated to
have increased by at least 8 percent in 1982; and

WHEREAS, Each year an average of 15 Marylanders die as a
result of fires set by arsonists; and

WHEREAS, The property damage caused by arsons in 1981 is
estimated at approximately 30 million dollars; and

WHEREAS, The State of Maryland has recently improved its
capabilities in combatting the crime of arson through,
among other things, the initiation of additional
training programs for fire service, law enforcement
personnel and assistant state's attorneys, with the
development of a statewide incident reporting system,
and by deployment of regional fire investigators
throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, There is a continuing need to evaluate the
effectiveness of state and local programs related to
arson prevention, detection, and control and to develop
statewide strategies, as appropriate, to combat the
crime;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, HARRY HUGHES, GOVERNOR OF MARYLAND, BY
VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE
CONSTITUTION AND THE LAWS OF MARYLAND, DO HEREBY ISSUE
THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER:

1.   There is established an anti-Arson
Advisory Council which shall advise the
Governor on a periodic and continuing basis
concerning necessary statewide strategies
for arson prevention, detection and control
in Maryland.

2.   The Council shall be chaired by the
Secretary of Public Service and
Correctional Services, or his designee, and
shall consist of a representative from:

(a)  The Maryland Senate and House of
Delegates;

(b)  Maryland Chiefs of Police
Association, Inc.;

(c)  Maryland State Fire and Rescue
Advisory Council;