NCJ Number
55545
Journal
Journal of Security Administration Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (FALL 1978) Pages: 44-50
Date Published
1978
Length
7 pages
Annotation
ASSUMING THAT THERE ARE THREE CATEGORIES OF ARSONISTS, PROFESSIONAL ARSONISTS, PERSONS WHO SET FIRES FOR MONEY OR REVENGE, AND PYROMANIACS, THIS PAPER DISCUSSES METHODS FOR DETERRING THE FIRST TWO TYPES.
Abstract
ARSON PREVENTION IS A TOPIC THAT IS NOT COVERED ADEQUATELY IN LITERATURE BECAUSE ARSON HAS ALWAYS BEEN DEALT WITH BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AFTER THE FACT. BUT USING A TYPOLOGY OF THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE ARSONIST, THIS PAPER DISCUSSES METHODS FOR REMOVING ARSON OPPORTUNITIES FROM POTENTIAL FIRE SETTERS. DUE TO THE PAST PRACTICE OF OVERINSURANCE, BUSINESSES WHO FIND THEMSELVES OVERSTOCKED OR PLAGUED WITH OUTDATED EQUIPMENT OFTEN ALLEVIATE THEIR DILEMMA BY SETTING FIRE TO THE MATERIAL AND THEN COLLECTING INSURANCE MONEY. INSURANCE COMPANIES SHOULD ELIMINATE OVERINSURANCE AND REQUIRE AGENTS TO INSPECT THE INSURED PROPERTY TO ASSESS ITS VALUE. ARSON CAN ALSO BE PREVENTED BY ENFORCING CURRENT REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE LOCATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, THE STATUS OF FIRE SYSTEMS, AND STORAGE PRACTICES, AND BY CONDUCTING REGULAR INSPECTIONS. ARSONISTS WILL BE DISCOURAGED FROM USING THESE ISSUES AS AN EXCUSE FOR FIRE. ACCESS ALARM, FIRE DETECTION, AND SPRINKLER SYSTEMS SHOULD BE REQUIRED IN BUSINESSES; THESE SYSTEMS CAN DETER ARSONISTS WHO ARE USUALLY AFRAID TO LEAVE ANY EVIDENCE OF 'TAMPERING.' PREVENTIVE EDUCATION IS SUGGESTED SO THAT ARSON WILL BE EQUATED IN PUBLIC OPINION WITH ACTUAL CRIMINAL ACTIVITY. THE TYPOLOGY TABLE AND REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (DAG)