NCJ Number
13413
Date Published
1954
Length
302 pages
Annotation
FIRE-SETTING TECHNIQUES, MOTIVES FOR ARSON, AND GUIDELINES FOR ITS DETECTION AND INVESTIGATION.
Abstract
THE AUTHORS BEGIN WITH A DISCUSSION OF SUSPICIOUS FIRES AND TELL-TALE SIGNS OF ARSON. COMMONLY EMPLOYED FIRE SETTING TECHNIQUES ARE EXPLORED. THE VARIOUS MOTIVES FOR ARSON ARE ANALYZED IN TURN AND INCLUDE ARSON FOR PROFIT, ANGER, REVENGE, AND MENTAL DEFICIENCY, IN THE CASE OF PYROMANIA. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ARSON AND OTHER CRIMES IS EXAMINED AS WELL AS THE OPERATION OF 'ARSON RINGS' OR GROUPS OF CRIMINAL FIRE SETTERS. METHODS FOR INVESTIGATING CASES OF SUSPECTED ARSON ARE DETAILED AND INCLUDE CRIME SCENE SEARCH, INTERVIEW AND INTERROGATION, USE OF EVIDENCE, AND PREPARATION OF THE COURT CASE. A GLOSSARY OF TERMS COMMONLY USED BY FIREMEN IS PROVIDED ALONG WITH A SAMPLE INTERROGATION AND INTERVIEW FORM.