Arson in Review: From Profit to Pathology

摘要: Arson is a crime committed by thousands of people throughout our nation for nearly every reason, justification or excuse known to mankind ... one the easiest crimes commit but hardest prevent prove which involves little skill, as weapon used legally carried and too readily available Unlike many other covert criminal activities, impact increased major arsons has direct visible effect on lives average citizen. Insurance premiums are raised, property destroyed, killed maimed, quality life in area affected arson diminished considerably. These statements, taken from US Senate hearings late 1970s, true troubling today they were over decade ago. Many who set fires need mental health services some kind, fact alluded even popular literature. Dick Francis, well-known author British mysteries, writes, "There this world cause trouble because it makes them feel important. They're ineffectual, eh? their lives. So burn things ..." But nobody wants these arsonists midst. Psychiatric facilities do not want so end up prison: Yet another case been reported mentally disordered person being sent prison there no institution willing receive her severely woman aged 22 [was sentenced] imprisonment default appropriate protect public. And general hospital emergency rooms cannot find anyplace send them: "The patients sell repeaters with bad reputations, firesetters those potentially violent." Any episode an act magnitude perpetrator predict accurately. Once set, fire longer responsive desires dictates firesetter. To address problem times, investigators law enforcement agencies insurance companies, chiefs, professionals must develop joint commitment public education, cooperative plans prevention intervention, shared research agenda.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)