NCJ Number
149941
Date Published
Unknown
Length
48 pages
Annotation
Confirmed arsons aboard naval vessels during 1983-91 were studied to determine their common characteristics, the motives and related characteristics of arsonists, and factors that would assist the military investigators of shipboard arsons.
Abstract
The initial research identified 18 arsonists who had set a total of 40 arsons aboard naval ships. The analysis revealed that the fire is most likely to be set on an aircraft carrier while the ship is in port. The target selection is usually random. The arson is most likely to be set in evening or night hours, using paper as an accelerant and a cigarette lighter as the ignition device. Most fires are minor. The typical offender is a young, white male, in the lower four enlisted ranks, who has a prior disciplinary record or a record of difficulty in adjusting to military life. The offenders studied had an average age of 20.4 years and were most likely to be serving their first term in the Navy. Most offenders are motivated by revenge and seek retaliation against the Navy for perceived wrongs. Some were motivated by excitement or profit. Figures, tables, and 8 references