NCJ Number
201890
Date Published
August 2002
Length
6 pages
Annotation
After exploring possible motives for arson, with attention to psychological disorders that may be associated with fire-starting, this paper discusses strategies for countering arson, including public awareness campaigns and fire-safety education for youth.
Abstract
Possible motives for arson are profit, animosity, vandalism, crime concealment, political objectives, and psychopathological factors. Under the profit motive, the arsonist derives some material gain from setting a fire. Some motivational element of anger is believed to underlie a high proportion of all arson crimes. Arson motivated by a vandalism impulse may stem from a mischievous mindset, peer group pressure, boredom, or a mixture of all of the above. Arson may also be motivated by an attempt to conceal a crime by destroying evidence related to a crime committed within the facility being "torched." Arson can also be committed in the pursuit of a political goal, such as extreme and violent protest against the policies of a government or private agency. Empirical examinations of arsonists who have been referred to psychiatric hospitals have generally found that schizophrenia, personality disorders, various forms of mental handicap, substance abuse, and mood disorders are the, most frequent diagnoses. Each of these disorders and the concept of pyromania are briefly discussed. Public awareness campaigns to highlight the extent and cost of arson to the community may assist in encouraging people to be more proactive and alert to possible scenarios of arson. Another countermeasure is to provide specialized training for police in arson and arson investigations. Also, new strategies to assist in the investigation of arson should be explored. One example is the greater use of sniffer dogs to aid in the detection of accelerants used in arson. The continued development of profiling techniques may prove to be useful, particularly in serial arson crimes. Finally, only through rigorous research into the phenomenon of arson can policies and proposed solutions effectively address its causes. 36 references