Arson — the deliberate act of setting a fire — is a serious criminal offense that can result in steep fines, long prison sentences, and tragic loss of life. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to over 250,000 intentionally set fires per year between 2010 and 2014. While structure fires made up just 19% of those incidents, they accounted for a staggering 87% of civilian deaths and 86% of civilian injuries. Given these alarming numbers, it’s critical to bring arsonists to justice swiftly. Social media investigations are emerging as a powerful tool in these cases.
How Social Media Investigations Support Arson Cases
Today, most people are constantly connected to their mobile devices, capturing photos and videos of everyday life. While these posts may seem routine, they can become vital sources of evidence in criminal investigations.
A striking example comes from a 2017 case in Milwaukee. The local fire department responded to a residential blaze where an elderly man tragically lost his life. As investigators worked the scene, they discovered a cell phone video circulating on social media. The footage showed a woman pouring gasoline into the home’s broken windows — clear evidence of arson. Thanks to this critical lead, investigators quickly identified the suspect and gathered additional witness reports from social platforms.
The Role of Social Media Intelligence in Criminal Investigations
Open-source intelligence (OSINT) from social media can significantly impact the outcome of arson cases. Experts like those at SMI Aware have the specialized tools and expertise to locate critical evidence online, identify witnesses, and deliver actionable intelligence that aids law enforcement. By partnering with social media investigation professionals, agencies can speed up case resolution, reduce loss of life, and improve public safety.
Light a Fire Under Your Investigative Strategy
Adding social media investigations to your suite of tools can help uncover vital data in near real-time. Ready to start applying social media evidence to your cases? Contact SMI Aware today to learn more and see our work in action.
