NCJ Number
86290
Date Published
1981
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article discusses characteristics of revenge-motivated arson, applies lessons from domestic-dispute intervention to revenge-motivated arson, considers some general options for revenge arson prevention programs, and presents steps in planning a revenge arson prevention program.
Abstract
There is a growing body of information that suggests that identifiable personal, social, and economic pressure can influence a person to commit arson from revenge. Further, many revenge arsons are rationally planned, even though the arsonist might be in a highly emotional state when the fire is actually set. In trying to combat revenge arson, it is important to draw from the experience of specialists who have dealt with stress problems similar to those that underlie revenge arson. One lesson to be learned from those who deal with domestic assaults is that the perpetrator may build toward an especially destructive act with a series of relatively minor incidents. Minor acts of vandalism or a small 'warning' fire should therefore be noted and efforts made to deal with the problems of the perpetrator. Some method should be devised for reporting arson threats, such as through a hotline or 'arson tip' programs. Steps in planning a revenge arson prevention program should include analysis of past revenge arson incident patterns, tracking possible relationships between domestic assaults and revenge arsons, improving recordkeeping on events leading up to revenge arsons, establishing an arson prevention hotline, and developing cooperative relationships with neighborhood organizations to make use of their legitimacy in the community. A bibliography of 19 listings is provided, along with the addresses for technical resources on revenge arson.