NCJ Number
208443
Date Published
2004
Length
166 pages
Annotation
This report reviews the major literature on arson to build an understanding of the problem of bushfire arson in Australia.
Abstract
Arson is a criminal act that involves the intentional and malicious lighting of a fire. It is a difficult crime to both investigate and prosecute; it is indeed even a difficult crime to commit. Part 1 of the report focuses on the general arson literature in order to describe the etiology of arson, offender motives and profiles, and arson by children. Much of this research literature is drawn from psychiatric populations and much of the early literature linked most acts of arson to mental illness due to problems stemming from childhood sexual development. More recent research takes into account both offender and offense characteristics to produce offender profiles useful to arson investigators. Taken as a whole, the research literature identifies some of the common motives for arson as revenge, excitement, financial gain, and attention-seeking. Mental illness is still considered a factor in many cases of firesetting behavior. The small group of children who engage in deliberate acts of arson are generally described as residing in troubled households where physical and emotional abuse and neglect are commonplace. Part 2 focuses specifically on bushfire arson in Australia and describes the impact of these devastating arsons, as well as the environmental factors contributing to them and the motives and profiles of the offenders. A suggested typology of bushfire arson is offered that incorporates five types of deliberate bushfire arsons: (1) to create excitement; (2) for recognition; (3) for specific gain; (4) without motive; and (5) with mixed motives. Part 3 focuses on responding to and preventing arson; recommendations for preventing bushfire arsons focus on educational strategies, improving community awareness, and improving risk analysis. Future research should further refine the typology and profile of bushfire arson offenders. Figures, tables, appendix, references