NCJ Number
84580
Date Published
1979
Length
45 pages
Annotation
Guidelines to help inexperienced investigators detect arson cover understanding the psychology of firesetters, the origins and causes of structural fires, collecting evidence for arson cases, and investigating automobile fires.
Abstract
The three basic categories of firesetters are pyromaniacs, pathological firesetters, and arsonists. Pyromaniacs show severe deviations from normal behavior. Arsonists set fires for profit, revenge, or attention. Like pyromaniacs and adult arsonists, juvenile firesetters tend to be loners who have difficulty relating to their peers and numerous other problems. Every fire has an identifiable cause and point of origin. Starting with the exterior of the building, the investigator should examine burned debris, unusual objects outside the building, the direction of char, fire burns, and signs of multiple points of origin. Electrical systems should also be closely examined. Photographs can be particularly important evidence. A Polaroid camera is recommended. Investigators should gather direct evidence, circumstantial evidence, and physical evidence. When interviewing witnesses, neighbors, and the property owner, investigators should let the witness do most of the talking and should verify the person's statements. Claim representatives for insurance companies must gather enough facts to show that the fire was intentionally set, that the insured person had a motive for burning the property, and that the insured person had the opportunity to set the fire or have it set. In investigating possible arson in an automobile fire, the investigator must first eliminate all possible accidental causes of the fire. Photographs and a checklist for use by claim representatives are included.