Working in partnership with the University of Portsmouth, a leading arson prevention programme picked up a prestigious award from the Hampshire High Sheriff earlier this month.
The FIRE-P programme was developed for those who are known within the Criminal Justice System, have a history of arson or are considered to have an unusual fascination with fire.
As of last year, no one who had completed the programme had gone on to commit another arson offence, with the success already being shared with other fire and rescue services across the country.
The High Sheriff of Hampshire, Lady Edwina Grosvenor presented FIRE-P manager Shane Blampied and the University of Portsmouth’s Dr Dominic Pearson, with their certificates at a ceremony on the 8th March.
Shane and Dominic’s commendation was for investing much personal time and effort into the FIRE-P programme, raising awareness of fire prevention and addressing attitudes towards fire-setting.
FIRE-P manager, Shane Blampied, said:
“It is a real honour to be recognised for the collaborative work we do with the University of Portsmouth to help make life safer for people across our communities.
“It has been of huge benefit to the Service and at the same time the course helps participants when they are looking at housing and job prospects on their release from custody or prison so they can be helped to move on with their lives and reintegrate back into our communities.
“We are continuing to share our arson-reduction programme with other fire and rescue services across the country, so the benefits can be shared nationwide.”
The eight-session programme includes a hard-hitting video, filmed under the supervision of HIWFRS, which shows the terrifying speed at which a fire can get out of control.
Other sessions focus on different elements of fire-setting, including the mechanics of fire and the motives and consequences of arson, before the participant has a session on victim awareness and empathy.
Speaking at the High Sheriff’s Awards ceremony, Lady Edwina Grosvenor said:
“All of today’s recipients of the High Sheriff Awards have shown innovation and tenacity in their respective fields, working tirelessly to make their communities safe and welcoming. In some cases, individuals have shown true bravery and I’m delighted to honour them today.”
Already endorsed and adopted by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Criminal Justice Board as a formal criminal justice sanction, courts have the option to impose a mandatory requirement for an offender to participate in FIRE-P as part of a custodial sentence or community order.
FIRE-P – which stands for Firesetters’ Integrated Responsive Educational Programme – is part of HIWFRS’ Arson Task Force.
Click here to view the video: bit.ly/FIRE-P.