NCJ Number
132232
Date Published
1991
Length
59 pages
Annotation
Based on an analysis of 214 incidents of school arson via police incident reports and a survey of 363 schools, this study identifies factors associated with the risk of arson in New South Wales (Australia) schools.
Abstract
Results were categorized as to whether they related to physical, access, or disciplinary characteristics of the schools. A large proportion of school arson occurred on the weekends and between 4 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Schools with neighborhood watch coverage were less likely to be burnt than schools without this security measure. It would be a useful strategy, therefore, to extend and emphasize neighborhood watch. Information from the police reports also shows that a large number of fires are started externally and that debris, probably lying on the school grounds, is often used to start the arson. The most surprising findings pertain to the effects of variables associated with public access to and use of school grounds. The use of schools as thoroughfares by members of the public was strongly associated with the risk of school arson. Strategies that have the overall effect of reducing uncontrolled public access to school grounds are likely to exert an important effect in reducing the risk of school arson. Better information on incidents of school arson is important to future arson risk management. 26 notes, 26 tables, and the survey questionnaire